Minnesota legislators will meet beginning at 10 am on Friday for a one-day special session that includes a series of key provisions for E-12 schools in the state.
Gov. Tim Walz called the session late Thursday with House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Paul Gazelka. Legislators have agreed to adjourn by 7 am on Saturday. Follow @MREAvoice on Twitter for the latest updates.
Education Bill
The Omnibus Education Bill agreed upon for the Special Session includes an increased funding target of $543 million in the FY 20-21 and $720 million in FY 22-23.
- Formula: 2% on the General Education Formula each of the next two years of the biennium. This amounts to an increase of $126 per pupil in FY ’20 to $6,438 per adjusted pupil unit (APU) and an increase of $129 per pupil in FY ’21 to $6,567 per adjusted pupil unit (APU).
- Special Education: $91 million to freeze the cross-subsidy in FY 20-21 and $142 million for FY 22-23
- Voluntary PreK: $47 million to maintain the 4,000 seats in FY 20-21 and $2.5 million for 10% prior year payment in FY 22-23.
- Safe Schools: $30 million in one-time funding for safe schools grants appropriation, contingent upon closing balance for FY 19 exceeding February forecast estimated closing balance.
View impact by school district.
Tax Bill
- Ag2School tax credit for farmers would increase from 40 percent to 50 percent in FY 20 with additional increases up to 70 percent by the fourth year. Effective beginning with property taxes payable in 2020 and is not contingent on future budget performance, under current law.
- Tier 2 equalization factor for operating referendums increase from $510,000 to $567,000 beginning in fiscal year 2021. This lowers the referendum levy by about $10 million per year. Effective for revenue for fiscal year 2021 and later.
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