Summary: A New Minnesota (Education) Miracle

State Representative Mindy Greiling shared some key points in the New Minnesota Miracle draft bill:

• Increases basic formula allowance from $5,124 per pupil to $7,500.
• Fully funds the state’s share of special education.
• Provides all day kindergarten for everybody on a voluntary basis.
• Has built-in inflation adjustment.
• Expands funding for compensatory aid and Limited English Proficiency.
• Creates Innovation Revenue, 5 percent of the basic revenue.
• Uses state aid to offset $500 per pupil of each district’s referendum revenue.
• Authorizes school boards to levy to pay for deferred maintenance.

Angie Eilers observed that data shows that when Minnesota invests in education it correlates with higher incomes. Data further shows that students of color are less likely to have post-secondary degrees than white students, and the state’s students are increasingly diverse. If nothing changes, a shrinking percentage of Minnesota’s workforce will have a post-secondary education. Growth & Justice’s singular education target is: By 2020, to increase student’s post-secondary graduation rates by 50 percent.

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