Minnesota House Approves ‘Historic Investments’ in Education Bill
DFL lawmakers are touting “historic investments” for schools after the Minnesota House approved a K-12 education funding bill.
The Minnesota House passed the bill, HF 2497, following amendments by a conference committee. The House vote was 70-62.
“It’s our job to partner with their families in our communities to ensure that they have the tools to support our scholars so that they can reach their fullest potential. Members, this bill does that,” said Rep. Cheryl Youakim, DFL-Hopkins, the bill’s chief author.
The bill provides a 4 percent increase in per-pupil spending next year and another 2 percent increase in 2025. The bill also provides for inflationary increases in future years with a 3 percent cap, but an inflation floor of 2 percent. The new spending totals $2.2 billion.
Republicans who spoke against the bill say it calls for too many mandates and doesn’t do enough to address the state’s literacy challenges. Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, said on the House floor that she’s had numerous phone calls and emails from educators who are frustrated with the bill.
“Our bill was going to put in $250 million to really fund literacy in the K-3 grades. And that’s really important members. And we are missing that,” said Robbins. “Thirty-five million a year is not enough to move the needle.”
Rep. Kristin Robbins speaks on House floor/courtesy Minnesota House
Another part of the bill would require students to pass civics and personal finance courses for high school graduation starting in the 2024-25 school year.
The legislation now heads to the DFL-led Minnesota Senate for a final vote.
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