SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — The joint House/Senate Conference Committee tasked with developing a compromise state E-12 budget met for the first time this afternoon. The committee meeting, co-chaired by Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL – Minneapolis), included an overview of each chamber’s version of the legislation and funding differences, and testimony from Education Commissioner Mary Ricker.
“Rather than just sending well-wishes for Teacher Appreciation Week this year, let’s support and invest in them so that all our students, teachers, and schools can succeed,” said Co-Chair Jim Davnie (DFL – Minneapolis). “This bill will provide access to high-quality education for all Minnesotans, allowing students to be successful both in and outside the classroom.”
The House DFL E-12 education bill would increase the per-pupil funding formula by 3% in 2020 and 2% in 2021, while the Senate Republican budget would only increase per-pupil funding by .5 percent each year. Continue reading “E-12 Conference Committee Hears Public Testimony on Needed Education Investment”