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04.23.25






Let Our Schools Decide: Real Support for Real Needs

Hello,

Thank you for everything you do to serve our students and community.

I’m reaching out today because our schools are at a breaking point, and it’s more important than ever to make your voice heard.

Despite the narrative coming from Governor Walz and legislative Democrats, they are the only ones who have proposed cutting funding for Minnesota schools. In fact, during a recent presentation of the Governor’s education budget, the Minnesota Department of Education detailed over *$240,000,000* dollars in cuts that would directly impact students and staff.

Here are just a few examples of what's included in the Governor’s proposal:


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*Shifting special education costs* back onto local school districts


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*Shifting community education costs* onto local schools


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*Eliminating Q-Comp*, which provides professional development support for teachers


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*Cutting transportation funding* for students


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*Eliminating nonpublic pupil aid*, which helps provide mental health services, nursing, and textbooks for kids

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*While the Governor plans to grow the Minnesota Department of Education’s size and budget, our local schools are facing more than $240 million in cuts.* These cuts are outlined in the Governor’s education budget proposal. Don’t just take my word for it. Click the link to House File 2433 [ [link removed] ] and watch the Department of Education walk through the details for yourself: DOE Video [ [link removed] ].

Our students, educators, families, and communities are struggling, not because they aren’t doing their jobs, but because of the one size fits all approach coming out of St. Paul. Some lawmakers think the solution is a state-run school board, but we know that’s not what our schools need.

Real solutions come from the ground up, with flexible, direct funding that allows local districts to meet local needs. That’s why House Republicans have been listening to educators across Minnesota and have introduced a package of bills informed by the people who spend every day in the classroom.

Take a look at some of these proposals below.


* House File 2318 [ [link removed] ] This bill allows teachers to retire with an unreduced pension at age 62 with 30 years of service. 

* House File 2329 [ [link removed] ] Expands reduced Early Special Retirement option from 62/30 to teachers age 60 with 30 years of service. 

* House File 2388 [ [link removed] ] Increases funding to local schools by $100 dollars per student. This bill would provide the following state aid to local schools:  

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* *Prior Lake-Savage - "$942,960 "*


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* *Jordan - "$201,080 "*


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* *Shakopee - "$799,052 "*

 


* House File 2201 [ [link removed] ] This would allow the legislature to reallocate the *$112,000,000* dollars per year in savings back into our local schools. This bill continues free breakfast for all students and lunch for students from a family of 4 making less than $156,000 per year. Updated fiscal notes show this savings growing year over year - totaling *$470,111,585* in just four years.

* House File 1803 [ [link removed] ] This bill would allow special education teachers to have more time working with students and less time doing paperwork.  

* House File 1435 [ [link removed] ] Would allow schools to develop innovative programming at the local level without approval from the Commissioner of Education. 

* House File 1052 [ [link removed] ]This bill would allow schools to suspend disruptive K-3 students for up to three days in order to maintain a safe and effective learning environment for all.

* House File 957 [ [link removed] ]This bill would allow schools to implement the over-65 mandates on a timeline that fits their local needs. It would also give schools the flexibility to use state funding based on their own priorities.

* House File 56 [ [link removed] ] This bill allows all schools to access the newly developed student support personal aid by merging with another funding bucket (Safe Schools Levy) 





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This isn’t just about legislation. It’s about standing up for your schools, your students, and your communities. I urge you to reach out to Governor Walz, the Minnesota Department of Education, your elected officials, and legislative leadership in both parties.

We may be frustrated by what’s happened in the past, but now is the time to focus on the future. Let’s work together to stabilize our schools, support teachers, and promote academic excellence across Minnesota.

As we often say in schools: *“If you see something, say something.”* I challenge you to speak up. Join us in pushing for the real support and local control our schools deserve.

*Respectfully,*
*Rep. Ben Bakeberg*

If you'd like to reply, please do so at *651-296-5185* or by email at *[email protected]* as replies to this email do not reach my inbox.











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658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.5185







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