Our current State Senator says in her campaign literature “We prioritized funding for education allowing for more opportunities for successful students.” Sounds great but the truth is that per student funding, if adjusted for inflation, has decreased by almost $1300 during her tenure. In addition the State has borrowed from the schools to fund the continued tax breaks for the rich. This puts additional strain on K-12 since the districts have to borrow and pay interest on the money they should have received from the state. This does not sound like giving priority to education to me.
It is not only K-12 that has seen cuts. The University of Minnesota and the MNSCU system have also had funding reduced. Tuitions are up and students are leaving school with record debt. The reduced education funding not only affects our young people, but it impacts all of us. One of the reasons for Minnesota’ s past economic success is a well-educated work force.
The results of the funding cuts are a slow decline in Minnesota education, which will make us less competitive. In 2006 a State comparison of K-12 Schools by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) ranked Minnesota 2nd just behind Massachusetts. In 2011 the ALEC ranked Minnesota 18th while Massachusetts still ranked #1. ALEC for those who believe I am using biased data according to Wikipedia is a 501(c)(3) organization “composed of conservative legislators, businesses and foundations.” We are headed to a future where Minnesota will not be able to compete based on a quality workforce and will have to depend on low wages. Is this the future you want to see for our state and for our children?
It is not only K-12 that has seen cuts. The University of Minnesota and the MNSCU system have also had funding reduced. Tuitions are up and students are leaving school with record debt. The reduced education funding not only affects our young people, but it impacts all of us. One of the reasons for Minnesota’ s past economic success is a well-educated work force.
The results of the funding cuts are a slow decline in Minnesota education, which will make us less competitive. In 2006 a State comparison of K-12 Schools by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) ranked Minnesota 2nd just behind Massachusetts. In 2011 the ALEC ranked Minnesota 18th while Massachusetts still ranked #1. ALEC for those who believe I am using biased data according to Wikipedia is a 501(c)(3) organization “composed of conservative legislators, businesses and foundations.” We are headed to a future where Minnesota will not be able to compete based on a quality workforce and will have to depend on low wages. Is this the future you want to see for our state and for our children?
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