St. Paul, MN – On Tuesday, Senator Ann Johnson Stewart (DFL – Minnetonka) presented SF 249 to the Senate Taxes Committee, her first chief author hearing since being sworn in as Senator for Senate District 45. The legislation is aimed at addressing Minnesota’s critical shortage of special education teachers by expanding eligibility for the state’s income tax credit for master’s degrees to special education curriculums.
“The shortage of special education teachers, particularly in Deaf education, has left schools like Metro Deaf School struggling to fill critical positions,” said Senator Johnson Stewart. “Many aspiring teachers are unable to become licensed due to the high costs of master’s programs, which are required to work in this field. SF249 offers a pathway for these dedicated individuals to earn their degrees and become licensed special education teachers.”
“This bill is an important step in addressing the special education teacher shortage and ensuring all Minnesota children have access to highly skilled teachers,” said Senator Johnson Stewart. “By expanding this tax credit, we help support the next generation of special education professionals, especially in the Deaf education field.”
Testimony was provided at the Senate Tax Committee hearing by:
- Alicia Lane, Government Relations Director for Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, Deafblind, & Hard of Hearing
- Susan Outlaw, Executive Director of Metro Deaf School
- Audrey Kludtke, Athletic Director at Metro Deaf School
- Stevie Middlebrook, teacher at Metro Deaf School
Senator Johnson Stewart’s bill received bipartisan support in the Senate Tax Committee. It was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill. The hearing can be viewed online here.
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