House Democrats said today they have a plan to give K-12 schools more money this year -- despite the projected $935 million state budget deficit.
Education Chairwoman Mindy Greiling unveiled a school finance bill, the highlight being a proposal to bump up state aid by 1 percent, providing schools with another $51 per child for operating expenses.
"In no way is this a comprehensive education funding bill -- rather it's emergency relief for schools that are hurting," said Greiling, DFL-Roseville.
The proposal likely will have at least one significant critic: Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Greiling said the increase would be paid for with funds set aside for future participants of Q-Comp, an alternative pay program for teachers and Pawlenty's premier education reform initiative.
See full story in Thursday's Bemidji Pioneer.
