On Wednesday, May 17, Senate Democrats forced through a controversial Education omnibus bill that ignores the needs of students. The mandate-heavy bill not only fails to put students first, but neglects to provide meaningful support for literacy programs, school safety initiatives, and substantial funding to address special education needs. 

“After speaking with multiple school districts across our state, we heard that this plan will actually force our districts into financial ruin. We had the opportunity to put record funding into our schools, but I am dismayed to see Democrats squander this opportunity,” said Senator Julia Coleman (R-Waconia), Republican lead on the Education Policy Committee. “Instead of putting money directly into the classroom, Democrats are mandating our local districts into the red. I believe in our teachers, schools, and parents. I have no doubt in my mind that with the proper freedom and funding, we could have allowed Minnesota to be a leader in education. This education budget, however, does the exact opposite.” 

The bill includes another historic investment in student funding with 4% and 2% increase on the formula; this is the third year of record funding for students after Senate Republicans support increases in 2019 and 2021. However, school district officials across the state have raised concerns that the increases will be mostly chewed up with unfunded mandates for staff benefits.  Years of declining test scores finally motivated Democrats to fund literacy programs, something Senate Republicans supported with initial investments in 2021, and fought for in 2022 supplement budgets. It remains to be seen if the additional curriculum requirements around race, gender, and other social issues will allow adequate time for literacy programs to get kids back on track and meeting reading expectations for their grade level.  
 
Notably, the bill failed to include additional funding for school safety initiatives or property tax relief for equalization, despite bipartisan support for both these positions in the Senate. This plan falls short compared to Senate Republicans’ Students First Education Plan, which used the same budget targets the Democrats were provided with, but eliminated any mandates that would adversely affect schools. This plan was offered as an amendment when the bill first passed the Senate Floor. The Students First plan aimed to assist students and address education shortfalls by offering a 5%/5% increase on the formula, $1 billion to fund special education, $200 million to fund safe school initiatives, and $100 million for literacy programs. The Republican plan would have allocated funding directly into classrooms. 

“Because the Democrats’ education plan does so little to help our students, and instead focuses on burdensome mandates, Senate Republicans attempted on multiple occasions to put forward an alternative plan that puts students first. Schools need the flexibility to meet students’ needs, and this bill fails to provide that,” said Senator Jason Rarick (R-Pine City), who serves as the Republican Lead on the Education Finance Committee. “The Democrats’ plan is grossly inadequate at addressing the needs of students, instead opting to force mandates that cost more than the funding that has been allocated. Senate Republicans believe we should shift focus to what matters most: putting students first.”