Briefing: DFLers propose plan for education

04/29/2005

Tammy J. Oseid
Pioneer Press

House Democrats said Thursday they plan to push for $843 million in new education spending over the next two years, $221 million more than House Republicans in their education omnibus bill.

The proposal would increase state funding 5 percent per student in each of the next two years. House Republicans proposed 3 percent each year.

The Democrats would also dedicate funding to programs for gifted and talented students, fund all-day kindergarten beginning in 2007 and spend more on early childhood programming.

The plan would require income tax increases and state government spending cuts.

The House Republican legislation would allow districts to seek increased funding from their local taxpayers by up to $112 million statewide.