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| Date: | March 10, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Peter D. Winiecki | | Contact Phone: | 651-297-8077 | | Contact Email: | peter.winiecki@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR BROWN’S BILL TO REFORM SCHOOL FINANCE EQUITY RECEIVES COMMITTEE HEARING Legislation reforms funding disparities between rural, exurban, suburban and metro school districts |
(St. Paul) -- Senator Dave Brown’s initiative to address inequities in school funding received a hearing today by the Senate Education Committee. Sen. Brown (R-Becker) is the chief author of Senate File 422, which prioritizes the Basic Revenue formula, benefitting every school district in the state in an even-handed manner.
“Minnesota’s Constitution requires a ‘general and uniform’ and ‘thorough and efficient system’ of schools statewide,” said Senator Brown. “Over the years, the creation of multiple education funding formulas in a highly-politicized environment has led to disparities of hundreds and even thousands of dollars per student between school districts that can no longer be ignored.”
Senator Brown’s bill contains a policy statement that prioritizes the Basic Revenue formula and minimizes statewide differences in total per student General Education Revenue. When the Legislature is adjusting funding formulas in the future, this proposal would ensure that 90 percent of any spending increase is dedicated to Basic Revenue rather than to all the other funding formulas that create significant funding disparities between districts. Over time, the primary focus on Basic Revenue will minimize differences that currently exist.
“This bill is the starting point for reforming the ways we fund our schools,” said Senator Brown. “Placing the funding emphasis on the Basic Revenue formula also provides the most flexibility for school districts since it makes up the core of their funding and has relatively few mandates attached to it.”
After hearing extensive testimony, the Senate Education Committee decided to lay the bill on the table for possible inclusion in a larger education omnibus bill that will be compiled later this session.
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Senator Dave Brown can be reached by phone at (651) 296-8075. He can be contacted via email at sen.david.brown@senate.mn, or via U.S. Mail at 75 Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Capitol Building, Room 205, St. Paul, MN 55155.
