Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will release his two-year budget plan to the legislature by Tuesday.
Underlying his E-12 plan must be how the influx of federal ESSER II funding will impact school districts in the state. The distribution of the ESSER II funds is much more uneven than how the state legislature would normally distribute funds, based on the Federal Title 1A formula.
A question on the minds of many policy makers is how will the state deal with its own general fund deficit, knowing the federal infusion of aid to schools will dry up by September 2023.
This will mark Walz’s second budget plan for the 20-year high school teacher.
Once it is is released, the House and Senate will consider the plan. The Legislature must approve a final budget by the end of the legislative session in May.
Emerging Education Issues
Senate E-12 Chair Roger Chamberlain (GOP-Lino Lakes) introduced two bills of significance for school districts.
- SF 242 would improve operating referendum equalization.
- SF 260 would create tax credits that would fund scholarships for low-income students to use at educational institutions of their choice, including private schools.
House Education Policy Vice Chair Hodan Hassan (DFL-Minneapolis) is the chief author of a HF 217. This is the “Teachers of Color and Indian Teachers” bill, often referred to as “TOCAIT” or “ITCA.”
The House Education Policy Committee hearing on Monday will focus on how to address racial disparities in education. This hearing bill build up to the committees review and passage of HF 217 at Wednesday’s hearing.
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