State of Minnesota Archives: on Education
Tim Walz:
Reform school financing, reflect diverse student body
I unveiled a new education plan this year. Named Due North, the plan serves as a guide toward a future where every child receives a high-quality education, no matter where they live or what they look like. This plan would tackle the racial and
geographic opportunity gap by dramatically reforming school financing, expanding access to rigorous coursework, and ensuring our curriculum and teacher workforce better reflect our increasingly diverse student body.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Minnesota legislature
Mar 28, 2021
Mike Murphy:
Yes to early learning & increasing teacher's salaries
Minnesota ranks 20th in the nation for average teacher salaries, and that is unacceptable. Mike intends to introduce cost-saving programs that limit reckless spending by our school districts, directly reinvesting in our teachers through salary
increases. Principals and administrators need the authority to hire the most qualified educators and the capability to discharge underperforming educators.
Research shows that quality early childhood education programs positively impact all children's cognitive and language development, regardless of income level or program setting. Early childhood learning makes a difference and is
a sound investment. Despite budget challenges, it is essential to expand access to and improve the quality of early learning opportunities, particularly for low-income children.
Source: 2022 Minnesota governor campaign website MikeMurphyForMN.com
Feb 16, 2021
Mike Murphy:
Supports school choice; tax credits for private schools
School choice allows parents and guardians to use funding allocated for their child's education towards tuition at a private or specialty school of their choice. Tax-credit scholarship programs will offer tax credits to businesses that donate
to scholarship-granting organizations or start an organization of their own that provides financial assistance to eligible students to use toward tuition expenses at a private or specialty school.
Source: 2022 Minnesota governor campaign website MikeMurphyForMN.com
Feb 16, 2021
Mike Murphy:
Yes to early learning & increasing teacher's salaries
Minnesota ranks 20th in the nation for average teacher salaries, and that is unacceptable. Mike intends to introduce cost-saving programs that limit reckless spending by our school districts, directly reinvesting in our teachers through salary
increases. Principals and administrators need the authority to hire the most qualified educators and the capability to discharge underperforming educators.
Research shows that quality early childhood education programs positively impact all children's cognitive and language development, regardless of income level or program setting. Early childhood learning makes a difference and is
a sound investment. Despite budget challenges, it is essential to expand access to and improve the quality of early learning opportunities, particularly for low-income children.
Source: 2022 Minnesota governor campaign website MikeMurphyForMN.com
Feb 16, 2021
Mike Murphy:
Supports school choice; tax credits for private schools
School choice allows parents and guardians to use funding allocated for their child's education towards tuition at a private or specialty school of their choice. Tax-credit scholarship programs will offer tax credits to businesses that donate
to scholarship-granting organizations or start an organization of their own that provides financial assistance to eligible students to use toward tuition expenses at a private or specialty school.
Source: 2022 Minnesota governor campaign website MikeMurphyForMN.com
Feb 16, 2021
Jason Lewis:
No taxpayers should bear burden of defaulted student loans
Q: Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?A: There are no circumstances in which taxpayers should bear the burden of defaulted student loans, but currently they do. Colleges have no incentive to make sure
students graduate with gainful employment. This is not right. While in Congress, I sponsored legislation that would make colleges have skin in the game so if somebody didn't pay off their loans, the college would bear the responsibility.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Minnesota Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Angie Craig:
Remote special ed financial strain for school districts
National policymakers have raised concerns that delivering special education services remotely will cause financial strain for school districts. Minnesota Reps. Angie Craig and Pete Stauber, and California Rep. Jared Huffman sent a letter to
House leadership in late March, asking them to include more money for kids with disabilities in a federal aid package.
Abrupt school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the absence of guidance from the federal government upended special education in some parts of the United States.
Some districts initially canceled some special education services or online learning altogether over fears that virtual lessons wouldn't be accessible for students with disabilities.
Source: Minnesota Reformer on 2018 Congressional MN-2 election
Apr 15, 2020
Jared Huffman:
Remote special ed financial strain for school districts
National policymakers have raised concerns that delivering special education services remotely will cause financial strain for school districts. Minnesota Reps. Angie Craig and Pete Stauber, and California Rep. Jared Huffman sent a letter to
House leadership in late March, asking them to include more money for kids with disabilities in a federal aid package.
Abrupt school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the absence of guidance from the federal government upended special education in some parts of the United States.
Some districts initially canceled some special education services or online learning altogether over fears that virtual lessons wouldn't be accessible for students with disabilities.
Source: Minnesota Reformer on 2020 Congressional CA-2 election
Apr 15, 2020
Pete Stauber:
Remote special ed financial strain for school districts
National policymakers have raised concerns that delivering special education services remotely will cause financial strain for school districts. Minnesota Reps. Angie Craig and Pete Stauber, and California Rep. Jared Huffman sent a letter to
House leadership in late March, asking them to include more money for kids with disabilities in a federal aid package.
Abrupt school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the absence of guidance from the federal government upended special education in some parts of the United States.
Some districts initially canceled some special education services or online learning altogether over fears that virtual lessons wouldn't be accessible for students with disabilities.
Source: Minnesota Reformer on 2018 Congressional MN-8 election
Apr 15, 2020
Jim Newberger:
Supports 529-college savings plans
Student Debt: Lower student loan rates, by raising taxes on high earners (Elizabeth Warren proposal)? Raise financial aid?Klobuchar: Yes.
Supports Warren proposal. Cosponsored bill to extend subsidized federal student loan rates.
Newberger: Unknown about federal financial aid, but supported MN bill for tax credits for student loans & 529 college savings plans.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Minnesota Senate race
Nov 1, 2018
Karin Housley:
More students should opt for two-year colleges
Student Debt: Refinance student loans at lower rates, paid for by raising taxes on high earners (Elizabeth Warren bill)?Smith: Yes. Cosponsored Warren's Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act.
Housley: No position found.
Student Financial Aid: Increase federal student financial aid, like Pell Grants?
Smith: Yes. Has pushed for more funding for financial aid & grants. Wants more investment in technical & vocational training.
Housley: No position found on increases. Wants more students to opt for 2-year degrees, & loan forgiveness for students who go to work at local companies in "greater Minnesota" but not the Twin Cities.
Source: 2017-2018 Minnesota special election CampusElect.org Guide
Nov 1, 2018
Karin Housley:
I'm a school choice person
Education: Provide vouchers to parents to send their children to private schools with public money?Smith:
No. "School vouchers create a 2-tiered education system, while diverting critical resources from the public schools."
Housley: Unclear on vouchers. Says she is a "school choice person."
Source: 2017-2018 Minnesota special election CampusElect.org Guide
Nov 1, 2018
Tina Smith:
More funding for emergency loans, financial aid & grants
Student Debt: Refinance student loans at lower rates, paid for by raising taxes on high earners (Elizabeth Warren bill)?Smith: Yes. Cosponsored Warren's Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act.
Housley: No position found.
Student Financial Aid: Increase federal student financial aid, like Pell Grants?
Smith: Yes. Has pushed for more funding for financial aid & grants. Wants more investment in technical & vocational training.
Housley: No position found on increases. Wants more students to opt for 2-year degrees, & loan forgiveness for students who go to work at local companies in "greater Minnesota" but not the Twin Cities.
Source: 2017-2018 Minnesota special election CampusElect.org Guide
Nov 1, 2018
Tina Smith:
School vouchers create a 2-tiered education system
Education: Provide vouchers to parents to send their children to private schools with public money?Smith:
No. "School vouchers create a 2-tiered education system, while diverting critical resources from the public schools."
Housley: Unclear on vouchers. Says she is a "school choice person."
Source: 2017-2018 Minnesota special election CampusElect.org Guide
Nov 1, 2018
Pete Stauber:
Students should have more options than college
Stauber has pointed to students not knowing all their options as a problem with higher education and that technical colleges are sometimes overlooked as an option.
He says he would advocate for making sure industrial arts programs are offered in high school. He also said public repayment programs might be necessary to keep higher education affordable.
Source: MPR Minnesota voter guide: 2018 Congressional MN-8 election
Oct 10, 2018
Jeff Johnson:
Don't increase funding for low-income early education
Q: Increase funding for K-12 education?Jeff Johnson (R): No. Says money won't solve problems. Voted in 2012 against increasing funding for early childhood & education programs for low-income families.
Tim Walz (D): Yes. Wants to fully fund pre-K & K
Source: CampusElect.org 2018: Minnesota legislative voting records
Oct 9, 2018
Tim Walz:
2 years tuition-free education at MN state institutions
Q: Increase state funding for higher education?Jeff Johnson (R): Unknown.
Tim Walz (D): Yes. Wants to provide 2 years tuition-free education at MN state institutions for families making $125K/year or less.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Minnesota Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Tim Walz:
Fully fund pre-K-to-12; make Minnesota the education state
Q: Increase funding for K-12 education?Jeff Johnson (R): No. Says money won't solve problems.
Tim Walz (D): Yes. Wants to fully fund pre-K & K-12 education, making Minnesota the "education state."
Q: Provide vouchers to parents to send their
children to private schools with public money?
Johnson: Yes. Wants to allow parents vouchers to move their children out of failing schools.
Walz: No. Sees a need to keep funding public schools, "not diverting it into voucher programs."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Minnesota Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Jeff Johnson:
Believes parents know best about their kid's education needs
I believe that parents, not the state or the education unions, are the best decision-makers when it comes to the education of a child. ÿWe must empower parents to make those decisions and allow teachers the freedom to teach without unending interference
from politicians. We will simplify our K-12 education funding formula, start to eliminate some of the many state mandates on our schools and teachers, and do everything possible to allow real education choice for every parent in Minnesota.
Source: 2018 Minnesota JohnsonForGovernor.org campaign website
Sep 1, 2018
Lori Swanson:
Believes schools need K-12 funding & teachers need support
Lori inherited a 1949 edition of National Geographic from her grandmother. The article quotes a Minnesota state official saying that the strength of Minnesota rests between the ears of its children.ÿ The same is true today. Lori will support and fund
our K-12 schools and support our educators. We must close the achievement gap.ÿ About 80% of a child's brain development occurs by age 3.ÿ Early childhood education and pre-k is both the right thing to do and the fiscally smart thing to do.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website LoriSwanson.com
Jul 4, 2018
Paula Overby:
Vouchers are ok locally but not federally
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Vouchers for school choice"?
A: Oppose--A voucher funding model can improve school choice for parents but it also encourages a competitive funding model that tends to focus on maximizing profits over improving quality.
The rapidly rising cost of education and one-and-half trillion dollars in student debt certainly portends the failure of an unregulated private education market. I support a generalized funding model that would minimize disparities
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate
May 13, 2018
Karin Housley:
Work together to improve the public school system
"Minnesota is home to some of the brightest students in the nation, taught by passionate, driven educators whose days are spent in the classroom doing incredibly important work--and doing it well. My mom and dad were both public school teachers;
my four kids are the products of public schools. I know firsthand the enormous impact a good education can have--and there's nothing I love more than a passionate, substantive conversation on how we can work together to improve public education.
Source: 2017-8 Minnesota special election site HousleyForSenate.com
May 3, 2018
Jim Newberger:
Vouchers for school choice are possible
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Vouchers for school choice"?
A: Possible
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate
Mar 15, 2018
Rebecca Otto:
No tax dollars for private schools
Rebecca Otto believes that a child's education should be high quality regardless of zip code. Tweet This She knows that the current funding system does not equitably fund our schools, and will work to reform it.
And as Governor, Rebecca will not allow public funds to be diverted to private schools.
Source: 2018 Minnesota Gubernatorial website RebeccaOtto.com
Nov 1, 2017
Tim Walz:
Recognized as the 2003 Minnesota Teacher of Excellence
After high school, Tim accepted a temporary teaching position at the Native American Reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. It was this experience that convinced Tim to follow his father's lead. "My father was a teacher--I learned early on that the
opportunity to help students learn and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding."Harvard University offered Tim an opportunity to gain a new perspective on global education by teaching in the People's Republic of China in 1989-90, where he joined
of one of the first government-approved groups of American teachers to work in Chinese high schools.
Following his return to Nebraska in 1990, Tim developed a program of cooperation between American and Chinese students. He created a small business--
Educational Travel Adventures, Inc.--through which he led annual educational trips to China for American high school students. Tim's inspiring approach to teaching gained him recognition as the 2003 Minnesota Teacher of Excellence.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website WalzForGovernor.org
May 2, 2017
Tina Liebling:
Fully fund our public education system at the state level
Funding for Minnesota's public schools has not kept up with inflation, and this is shortchanging our students. As state support has fallen, school districts must try to get more funding from local property taxes, which means communities without a big
tax base have schools that don't have enough resources for their students. Fully and appropriately funding our public education system at the state level will help all students succeed. Adequate school counselors and other support professionals are
also needed to help students make sound education and career decisions based on their interests and talents and remove barriers that keep students from achieving their dreams.Minnesota's constitution says: "It is the duty of the legislature to
establish a general and uniform system of public schools. The legislature shall make such provisions by taxation or otherwise as will secure a thorough and efficient system of public schools." Minnesota must live up to this promise.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
Tina Liebling:
Free college credits via Post-Secondary Education Options
In the 21st century, careers that can sustain a family require education beyond high school. Though we spend millions helping students get free college credits through the Post-Secondary Education Options program most students don't use the program.
All Minnesota students deserve the opportunity to go to college or get career skills. Making the first two years of post-high school education at a public college or university
FREE to Minnesota students would take pressure off struggling families while ensuring our workforce is well trained for the needs of the economy.In connection with free college, we should establish a "Minnesota Peace Corps" where young people could
work in an area of need for one or two years after finishing college. Other students could earn loan forgiveness to reduce educational debt. This could ease our workforce shortage in critical areas, while giving young people valuable job experience.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
Jason Lewis:
Question rising tuition rather than taxpayer funding
The skyrocketing cost of higher education--up 200% since just 1996--is leaving our young people with staggering debt. The only thing that's going up faster is textbooks. Naturally, instead of addressing the rising costs, the Obama administration wants
taxpayers to forgive the loans after a short period--but only if the borrower gets a job with government or a nonprofit. That's a bad deal for the taxpayers (many of whom didn't go to college) who guarantee the $1 trillion in student debt.
Democrats also want a new $750 billion-dollar free college bill passed--but before we do that, we should be asking university administrators why tuition costs are rising faster than gasoline, groceries, housing, or even health care.
We need more competition in higher education and a greater emphasis on less expensive vocational and tech training essential to many of our young students looking for gainful employment.
Source: 2016 Minnesota House campaign website JasonLewis2016.com
Nov 8, 2016
Jason Lewis:
Replace Department of Education with school choice
Three decades and $70 billion (annually) later, the federal Department of Education continues to micromanage our schools. Even the recently enacted ESSA law, meant to reform Common Core, allows states to take over local districts if they fail to
perform. We need real changes--such as merit pay, collective-bargaining reform, seniority rules changes, and school choice--in order to best serve our children.
Source: 2016 Minnesota House campaign website JasonLewis2016.com
Nov 8, 2016
Mark Dayton:
Invest in education before tax cuts for millionaires
Legislative Summary:A bill for funding early childhood, kindergarten through grade 12, and adult education, including standards and assessments, charter schools, special education, facilities and technology, libraries, early childhood
education, prevention, self-sufficiency and lifelong learning; and modifying an income tax credit.Excerpts from Veto Letter:The bill' s total investment of $400 million is insufficient given the state's large surplus. In 2013, with a
projected budget deficit of $627 million, the spending increase for E-12 education was $606 million. It is astonishing that with a $1.9 billion surplus, there would be less invested in our schools in 2015. And it is incomprehensible that estate tax cuts
for millionaires is a higher priority than investing adequately in our students & young children.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 69-61-0, April 25; passed Senate 39-28, April 29; vetoed by Gov. Dayton, May 21
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on HB844
May 21, 2015
Erin Murphy:
Invest more in early childhood and K-12 education
Legislative Summary:A bill for funding early childhood, kindergarten through grade 12, and adult education, including standards and assessments, charter schools, special education, facilities and technology, libraries, early childhood
education, prevention, self-sufficiency and lifelong learning; and modifying an income tax credit.Excerpts from Veto Letter:The bill' s total investment of $400 million is insufficient given the state's large surplus. In 2013, with a
projected budget deficit of $627 million, the spending increase for E-12 education was $606 million. It is astonishing that with a $1.9 billion surplus, there would be less invested in our schools in 2015. And it is incomprehensible that estate tax cuts
for millionaires is a higher priority than investing adequately in our students & young children.
Legislative Outcome:Rep. Murphy voted NAY; passed House 69-61-0, April 25; passed Senate 39-28, April 29; vetoed by Gov. Dayton, May 21
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on HB844
Apr 25, 2015
Jim Newberger:
Reduce K-12 education funding from $627M to $400M
Legislative Summary:A bill for funding early childhood, kindergarten through grade 12, and adult education, including standards and assessments, charter schools, special education, facilities and technology, libraries, early childhood
education, prevention, self-sufficiency and lifelong learning; and modifying an income tax credit.Excerpts from Veto Letter:The bill' s total investment of $400 million is insufficient given the state's large surplus. In 2013, with a
projected budget deficit of $627 million, the spending increase for E-12 education was $606 million. It is astonishing that with a $1.9 billion surplus, there would be less invested in our schools in 2015. And it is incomprehensible that estate tax cuts
for millionaires is a higher priority than investing adequately in our students & young children.
Legislative Outcome:Rep. Newberger voted YEA; passed House 69-61-0, April 25; passed Senate 39-28, April 29; vetoed by Gov. Dayton, May 21
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on HB844
Apr 25, 2015
Matt Dean:
$400M for early childhood & K-12 education instead of $606M
Legislative Summary:A bill for funding early childhood, kindergarten through grade 12, and adult education, including standards and assessments, charter schools, special education, facilities and technology, libraries, early childhood
education, prevention, self-sufficiency and lifelong learning; and modifying an income tax credit.Excerpts from Veto Letter:The bill' s total investment of $400 million is insufficient given the state's large surplus. In 2013, with a
projected budget deficit of $627 million, the spending increase for E-12 education was $606 million. It is astonishing that with a $1.9 billion surplus, there would be less invested in our schools in 2015. And it is incomprehensible that estate tax cuts
for millionaires is a higher priority than investing adequately in our students & young children.
Legislative Outcome:Rep. Matt Dean voted YEA; passed House 69-61-0, April 25; passed Senate 39-28, April 29; vetoed by Gov. Dayton, May 21
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on HB844
Apr 25, 2015
Tina Liebling:
Invest more in early childhood and K-12 education
Legislative Summary:A bill for funding early childhood, kindergarten through grade 12, and adult education, including standards and assessments, charter schools, special education, facilities and technology, libraries, early childhood
education, prevention, self-sufficiency and lifelong learning; and modifying an income tax credit.Excerpts from Veto Letter:The bill' s total investment of $400 million is insufficient given the state's large surplus. In 2013, with a
projected budget deficit of $627 million, the spending increase for E-12 education was $606 million. It is astonishing that with a $1.9 billion surplus, there would be less invested in our schools in 2015. And it is incomprehensible that estate tax cuts
for millionaires is a higher priority than investing adequately in our students & young children.
Legislative Outcome:Rep. Liebling voted NAY; passed House 69-61-0, April 25; passed Senate 39-28, April 29; vetoed by Gov. Dayton, May 21
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on HB844
Apr 25, 2015
Heather Johnson:
Common Core is unconstitutional, and also underhanded
Q: Do you support school choice in the form of vouchers?A: I do support school choice. Common Core was pushed through by unelected bodies and businesses, not in the legislation in accordance with our constitution. Not only was it unconstitutional,
but it was underhanded. It was not led by parents and educators, I don't know anyone who doesn't think that parents and educators working together know better how their children learn.
Educators who see these kids everyday should have a say in how they teach, not be given a curriculum and told that's how they're going to teach. I've been around the state and seen the private schools, they are flexible and have a variety of models,
while including the curriculum that those educators developed directly. I have actually toured public, charter, and private schools--finding that private schools are more flexible in how they teach using a variety of different models to fit the class.
Source: News Examiner Q&A on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
Aug 11, 2014
Jim Abeler:
Oppose nationwide Common Core standards
Question topic: The federal government should establish nationwide standards (such as Common Core) for high-school graduation.
Abeler: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Tina Smith:
Free all-day kindergarten
Widely regarded as one of the state's most capable and accomplished managers, Tina Smith has spent the last three decades bringing people together to accomplish big things for her community and the people of Minnesota.For the last three years,
Tina has served as Governor Mark Dayton's Chief of Staff where she has been a driving force behind Governor Dayton's agenda to build a Better Minnesota--making investments and reforms that have improved the lives of Minnesotans.
These successful initiatives have helped save families $2,500 a year by making free all-day kindergarten a reality for all Minnesota kids, delivered the largest financial aid increase in a generation that will help
100,000 students and will freeze college tuition at state colleges and universities, turned a $6 billion deficit into a $1 billion surplus, and helped businesses create more than 133,000 jobs since January 2011.
Source: 2014 Minnesota gubernatorial campaign website MarkDayton.org
Jul 2, 2014
Mike McFadden:
Repeal federal Common Core education standards
McFadden focused his [GOP Convention] speech on the economy and education policy, rarely throwing out the kind of conservative red meat rhetoric that earns cheers. "The single biggest issue in this country today is we have created a class of politicians,
and the Republicans are just as bad as the Democrats," he said. He called for the repeal of the federal Common Core education standards for states and bashed so-called ObamaCare, but didn't call for a full-on repeal of the healthcare program.
Source: Minneapolis Post on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
May 31, 2014
Jim Abeler:
Oppose Common Core's centralized federal oversight
"It's now or never if we in Minnesota want to preserve control and integrity in our nation-leading K-12 education system [against the] Common Core educational standards."The current nationwide trend is to centralize federal oversight of education
programs. Lured by the bribe of 'free' money, states are willing to implement Common Core's mediocre standards, give up state and local decisionmaking, and surrender private student information to national data banks. So far, Minnesota is still in charge
of its education destiny. But for how long? Looking around, we see that many other states have submitted to an untested, experimental, one-size-fits-all model. Already we are hearing stories of buyers' remorse.
"To preserve the integrity of our
K-12 system I have prepared legislation that would create a firewall between Minnesota state government and the federal government. I believe Minnesotans need to be allowed to run their own state."
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
Feb 14, 2014
Mike McFadden:
Measure more; dictate reading lists less
Q: What committee assignments would you want?A: One assignment I clearly want is a seat on the Education Committee. I've been very involved with inner-city education. What that's allowed me to see is, we can do better. We can achieve better results
with a little bit more focus. I compare our results to similar results in the inner-city high schools, then I look at how much money we've spent on those schools. So, I want to focus on allocating our dollars to areas that work. I want to measure and do
better in education. We have to do it; the status quo is not an option.
Q: What about "No Child Left Behind"?
Q: I don't believe the federal government should be dictating what second graders should be reading. I'd like to see some changes in
simple things, such as, there is a program in Minnesota called "Minnesota Reading Corps." Their philosophy is, first you learn to read, then you read to learn. It's really simple: By third grade, you need to learn to read at a third-grade level.
Source: Minneapolis Post on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
Jul 15, 2013
Jim Abeler:
Resident tuition rates for immigrants if they follow rules
Excerpts from legislation: A student, other than a nonimmigrant alien, shall qualify for a resident tuition rate or its equivalent at state universities and colleges, including the University of Minnesota, if the student meets
all of the following requirements:- high school attendance within the state for three or more years;
- graduation from a state high school or attainment within the state of the equivalent of high school graduation; and
- in the case of a student without lawful immigration status, the filing of an affidavit with the institution of higher education stating that the student has filed an application to legalize the student's immigration status or will file an
application at the earliest opportunity the student is eligible to do so.
Legislative outcome: Jim Abeler Co-Authored H. F. 0875: Bill passed Senate, 41-23-3, May 1; died in House Committee
Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: H.F.0875
Feb 25, 2013
Mark Dayton:
Education begins early in life, & continues throughout life
I want Minnesota to offer the world's best educations for ALL of our citizens, children and grandchildren. Educations which begin early in life, and continue throughout life; so that all of us can learn the skills, and relearn the new skills,
necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing and ever-more-competitive global economy.We know that our exceptional citizens, who are more inventive, harder working, and more productive than people anywhere, have been the most important contributors to
our state's economic progress and social vitality. Most of us agree that our citizens' superior educations have been crucial to our previous successes.
And many of us agree that providing all
Minnesotans with the best, most advanced, and yet affordable educational opportunities will be even more essential to their future success, and thus to ours.
Source: 2013 State of the State speech to Minnesota Legislature
Feb 6, 2013
Mark Dayton:
Restore $240M for higher ed, but still lowest since 1981
My proposed budget for the next biennium would spend $1.8 billion less than was forecasted for those two years, when I took office. However, that significant cut is only the latest reduction in state support for higher education.
I searched the archives looking for a previous biennium when the State of Minnesota spent less money, in real dollars, to support higher education. The last time we actually spent less to support higher education, in real dollars, than we are in
FY12-13...was in FY80-81.I'll say it again. Since FY80-81, real state spending for all of postsecondary education has been higher than it is today. My budget would add $240 million in higher ed. funding for the next biennium. That counts as spending
increase, which, technically, it is. However, it falls over $100 million short of restoring the funding cut from FY10/11; and it still leaves state support for higher education hundreds of million dollars below the real levels 30 years ago.
Source: 2013 State of the State speech to Minnesota Legislature
Feb 6, 2013
Tom Emmer:
Vouchers for private or religious school
Emmer indicates support of the following principles regarding education.- Support state education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students.
- Support requiring public schools to administer high school exit exams.
-
Allow parents to use vouchers to send their children to any private or religious school.
- Support using a merit pay system for teachers.
- Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
Source: Minnesota Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Tom Emmer:
Supports voluntary school prayer & abstinence-only sexual ed
Q: Do you support a moment of silence in public schools?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support voluntary prayer in public schools?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support sexual education programs that include information on abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods?
A: Undecided .
Q: Do you support abstinence-only sexual education programs?
A: Yes.
Source: Minnesota Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Norm Coleman:
Fully fund special education; no unfunded mandates
Q: Do you favor extending tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, or investing more money into our struggling school systems?A: The rhetoric raised by that question... somehow it’s tax breaks for the rich or education.
No, first we need to fully fund special education -- no question about that. As an urban mayor I understood what unfunded mandates did to a community. In the end you have to figure out a way to work together to build coalition.
Source: Minnesota Public Radio, Senatorial debates
Oct 21, 2002
Jesse Ventura:
Take over general education costs & eliminate local tax
I propose that the state take over the full costs of the K through 12 general education formula and eliminate the state-mandated general education levy by local school districts. Combined with other changes to the property tax system,
this will result in net property tax relief of over $800 million annually to all types of property across Minnesota, Including double digit percentage property tax reductions to: businesses, homes, apartments, farms, and cabins.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Minnesota Legislature
Jan 4, 2001
Jesse Ventura:
Support school districts that think and act outside the box
We increased K through 12 spending by $1.3 billion. I recommend ways to support new teachers in the classroom by supporting those districts that think and act outside of the box. My budget will support those districts that provide mentoring support,
and create new career pathways that help teachers stay in their chosen profession. I propose ways to support getting new teachers and non-teachers into the classroom by loosening and fixing licensing requirements and compensation plans.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Minnesota Legislature
Jan 4, 2001
Mark Dayton:
Make college tuition fully tax deductible
College Costs: Dayton and Gibson disagreed on ways to reduce the cost of higher education. Dayton advocated making college tuition fully tax deductible. But Gibson said tax deductions for students don’t offer much savings.
Grams offered no solutions, but said previous attempts haven’t worked. “Every time we raise the Pell Grant limits, college tuition goes up,” Grams said.
Source: By Bob Collins, Minnesota Public Radio on-line
Nov 6, 2000
Mark Dayton:
40% more for special education; plus easier college loans
My highest priorities in education are: - To increase funding for special education to 40% which would honor the federal government’s long-broken promise to pay for the costs of this program;
- I oppose vouchers.
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To propose making college tuition fully tax-deductible for students and parents;
- To support a post-secondary loan forgiveness program for graduates who perform 2-4 years of community service or teach for a period of time.
Source: Minnesota Newspaper Association Election Questionnaire
Jul 2, 2000
Mark Dayton:
Vouchers take precious tax dollars from public schools
I oppose vouchers because they take precious tax dollars and split them between public and private schools. Instead I believe that fully funding special education should be the top priority.
This would free up state hands to hire new teachers, to reduce class sizes and other initiatives that would improve the quality of education;
Source: Minnesota Newspaper Association Election Questionnaire
Jul 2, 2000
Jesse Ventura:
Responsibility for education begins with parents
The goal of this administration is to build the strongest public education system in the world.but it is only as effective as the resolve of every parent to step up and be the first and most important teacher a child will have. On that I will not
give an inch. It's so easy to blame the governor, the legislature, teachers, the school board--when in reality nothing is successful without every parent making good decisions, every day, in the best interests of each child.
Source: 1999 State of the State Address to Minnesota Legislature
Mar 2, 1999
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021