Led by Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), the Senate approved an education budget Tuesday evening that spends $18.57 billion over the next two years on Minnesota students, teachers, and schools – an increase of $1.14 billion over the current budget. The passage of the bill by the Senate sets up further discussions with Gov. Dayton over how an education budget can be signed into law.
“As I have said all session, education is the great equalizer. From day one, it has been my priority to provide opportunities for all Minnesota students to receive an education that prepares them for the jobs of tomorrow. The budget we passed yesterday is an excellent next step,” said Sen. Nelson, chairwoman of the Senate E12 Finance Committee. “I look forward to continuing discussions with Gov. Dayton and legislative leaders on how we can work together on a budget that will benefit students and schools across our state.”
The budget fully funds the expected enrollment growth of 35,000 new students into Minnesota’s public schools and targets additional funding toward regular classroom needs in addition to critical programs such as special education, adult education, food service, facilities maintenance, career and technical education, and ensuring full literacy by third grade. The bill also includes significant funding for early learning scholarships and for districts already participating in flexible early learning programs.
“I share the governor’s concern for early education, but believe a targeted investment is a better approach. By targeting resources to a scholarship model that benefits children who would not normally have access to early education, all children will be afforded early education options,” Sen. Nelson continued. “In addition, concentrating over 90% of the new funding directly into the classroom will allow us to work toward closing our state’s nation-leading achievement gap and secure opportunities for students from all walks of life.”
The budget includes a 1.5% increase to the general education aid formula in each of the next two years. In total, this amounts to a $303.5 million increase in spending over the forecasted base for the 2018-2019 biennium.
“Recognizing that the compromise House- and Senate-passed bill includes a 1.5% increase to the ‘formula allowance,’ amounting to an average increase of $230 per pupil, I will continue to advocate for a full 2% increase on the formula as negotiations with the governor continue,” said Sen. Nelson. “Earlier this session, I authored legislation to do just that, recognizing the importance of a fully funded formula. Our students are our state’s most valuable resource – Minnesota’s future workforce, parents, and leaders – and making a difference begins with making sure that our schools have the resources and empowerment they need to be successful in a way that fits the communities they serve. I am confident that, by working together, we can get this done.”
Sen. Carla Nelson has long been in a leader in education. A child of a high school principal and special education teacher, Sen. Nelson, who has a master’s degree in teacher leadership from the University of Minnesota, became an educator herself, teaching elementary and middle school courses, as well as special education and reading.
Sen. Nelson is in her third term representing Senate District 26, which includes students in Byron, Chatfield, Dover-Eyota, Hayfield, Plainview, Rochester, Stewartville and St. Charles school districts in Olmsted County. Sen. Nelson serves as chairwoman of the Senate E12 Finance Committee and co-chairs the conference committee on the education budget.