KEEP OUR PROMISE TO MINNESOTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Increase funding for E-12 education
SEIU POSITION: The funding formula for E-12 schools needs
an increase that keeps up with inflation and does not rely on local school
district levies. We believe our
members and students deserve more than temporary fixes. Our schools need
adequate funding so that every Minnesota
child receives a first-rate education.
BACKGROUND: In
2003, $185 million was cut from our schools.
In 2005 session, the Governor proposed an increase of $184 million. But about half of that increase relied on
local districts raising revenue through referenda. Minnesota’s
public schools are suffering for three reasons:
- In
2001, the state shifted the lion’s share of the funding for our schools by
decreasing the proportion of local resources and increasing the
states. No new resources were
created, and subsequent state deficits led to a freeze in the Per Pupil
Formula. Increases in the 2005 session did not make for these losses.
- When
Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975, the
federal government promised to fund special education at 40% for mandated
programs. However, these programs have never been funded at even half of
that rate.
- The federal
No Child Left Behind Act thrust additional mandates on public schools, but
only provided resources for new testing. For example, no money was
included for specialized training required for paraprofessionals.
Years of cuts have taken a toll on Minnesota’s
schools. Schools are closing, class
sizes are increasing, and school employees are being laid off. To reverse this trend, SEIU supports
increased funding for E-12 education to at lease keep up with inflation.
Please support increased funding for Minnesota’s
public schools.