CAPITOL REVIEW: Education Bill Means $12 More for Every Minnetonka Student

The Minnesota House of Representatives passed five omnibus finance bills last week, which left Republican leaders more optimistic. But DFLers were not as upbeat, according to a press release from nonpartisan Public Information Services.

Among the measures passed was the Omnibus Education Finance bill that would make sweeping changes in both the financing and administration of the state's pubic schools.

At a local level, Minnetonka Public Schools District 276 would receive $12 in additional funding per student over the next two years under both the House and Senate versions of the bill. The bill also freezes special education reimbursement and reallocates money currently being used by local school districts for integration services.

Minnetonka State had originally said she would vote for the omnibus education bill, not because she supported the measure but so that she could participate in the conference committee process.

But after what she called “reflection” Bonoff did not vote in favor of the measure.

“There were provisions in the bill which I opposed, and my concern was about my relationship with the teachers in our community,” Bonoff said. “I feared that my green vote would send a signal to teachers that I was taking back the olive branch I had extended when I asked them for their help and their partnership in solving our current budget and policy challenges….some of the provisions are lightning rod issues, and I would rather tread more softly.”

The other omnibus finance bills passed were for taxes, judiciary and public safety, higher education and agriculture.

In addition, the Minnesota Senate passed all of its omnibus bills with the exception of taxes and transportation, which should both be addressed this week, the release stated. Then the Senate and the House will begin negotiations. 

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Patch Editors Caitlin Burgess and Rick Ellis contributed to this report.