Thursday, June 25, 2015


Public Policy Update  


 

On Friday, June 12, the Minnesota legislature convened for a one-day special session to resolve budget differences between Gov. Dayton and Legislative leaders in the areas of education, jobs and energy, and environment and agriculture in order to avoid a partial government shut down.


Good news!

The bipartisan compromised education bill includes the largest increases for 3 and 4 year olds to access high quality pre-k in Minnesota's history and nearly doubles Minnesota's commitment to early learning.

Key numbers for early learning this session:

  • $48 million for early learning scholarships
  • $30.75 million for school readiness programs in school districts
  • $10 million to reduce the Head Start waiting list
  • $10 million for child care assistance
  • $3.5 million to support Parent Aware quality ratings
  • Additional funding for ECFE, the Northside Achievement Zone, the St. Paul Promise Neighborhood, targeted Home Visiting and the Parent Child Home Program
While there will be many things to watch in the coming weeks as the plans for the administration of the new budget are developed and there is more work to do to support our youngest and most vulnerable learners, we are pleased that our early learners continue to be a high priority for our elected officials.


Please take a moment to send a note of thanks to your legislators and Governor Dayton to thank them for their leadership and commitment.

 
If you have more specific questions about what's happening at the State Capitol, feel free to connect with Cisa Keller (ckeller@thinksmall.org) or Todd Otis (totis@thinksmall.org)

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