SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis) said the Senate today passed two historic education budget and policy measures that invest $2.5 billion in Minnesota students, schools, teachers, and support staff, and ensures that school districts get needed resources to lower class size and address special education and mental health services underfunding.
Majority Leader Dziedzic said the education policy bill was authored by Senate Education Policy Chair Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-Eden Prairie), and the education budget bill was authored by Senate Education Finance Committee Chair Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton).
“Minnesotans told us they value strong schools that provide students with a top-notch education that will put them on the path to success,” said Majority Leader Dziedzic. “After years of underfunding, the Senate DFL majority has heard the concerns of parents, teachers, students and school administrators and made our schools a top priority. The additional and historic funding in these important bills will help us reduce class size, improve student outcomes, and support teachers and staff. It will also pay for a much larger portion of special educations costs that have crippled school districts across the state and help us address the fast-growing need for mental health services.”
“The budgets in these bills will invest in Minnesota’s schools, students, and educators like never before,” said Senator Kunesh. “From comprehensive health and social services for our state’s youngest learners and their families; to unprecedented increases to the per-pupil formula, support for our students’ mental health, and recruiting teachers of color; to landmark increases in adult and community education; these bills uplift education as a lifelong experience in Minnesota. I’m grateful to all my colleagues for shepherding this legislation through to passage, and I look forward to its continued movement toward Governor Walz’s desk.”
“Today, the Senate secured Minnesota’s reputation as a state that puts students and teachers first. The policies in this bill will ensure that every Minnesotan child receives a world-class education in a safe, welcoming environment,” said Senator Cwodzinski. “Classes like personal finance and civics education will help our students become informed, capable members of our economy and democracy. Policies like the Teachers of Color Act, ethnic studies, and updated anti-harassment policies will keep students safe, seen, and comfortable in class. I’m grateful to all my colleagues for their part in ushering this bill through to passage, and I look forward to its next steps into law.”
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