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Tina Liebling on Education
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Fully fund our public education system at the state level
Funding for Minnesota's public schools has not kept up with inflation, and this is shortchanging our students. As state support has fallen, school districts must try to get more funding from local property taxes, which means communities without a big
tax base have schools that don't have enough resources for their students. Fully and appropriately funding our public education system at the state level will help all students succeed. Adequate school counselors and other support professionals are
also needed to help students make sound education and career decisions based on their interests and talents and remove barriers that keep students from achieving their dreams.Minnesota's constitution says: "It is the duty of the legislature to
establish a general and uniform system of public schools. The legislature shall make such provisions by taxation or otherwise as will secure a thorough and efficient system of public schools." Minnesota must live up to this promise.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
, May 2, 2017
Free college credits via Post-Secondary Education Options
In the 21st century, careers that can sustain a family require education beyond high school. Though we spend millions helping students get free college credits through the Post-Secondary Education Options program most students don't use the program.
All Minnesota students deserve the opportunity to go to college or get career skills. Making the first two years of post-high school education at a public college or university
FREE to Minnesota students would take pressure off struggling families while ensuring our workforce is well trained for the needs of the economy.In connection with free college, we should establish a "Minnesota Peace Corps" where young people could
work in an area of need for one or two years after finishing college. Other students could earn loan forgiveness to reduce educational debt. This could ease our workforce shortage in critical areas, while giving young people valuable job experience.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
, May 2, 2017
Invest more in early childhood and K-12 education
Legislative Summary:A bill for funding early childhood, kindergarten through grade 12, and adult education, including standards and assessments, charter schools, special education, facilities and technology, libraries, early childhood
education, prevention, self-sufficiency and lifelong learning; and modifying an income tax credit.Excerpts from Veto Letter:The bill' s total investment of $400 million is insufficient given the state's large surplus. In 2013, with a
projected budget deficit of $627 million, the spending increase for E-12 education was $606 million. It is astonishing that with a $1.9 billion surplus, there would be less invested in our schools in 2015. And it is incomprehensible that estate tax cuts
for millionaires is a higher priority than investing adequately in our students & young children.
Legislative Outcome:Rep. Liebling voted NAY; passed House 69-61-0, April 25; passed Senate 39-28, April 29; vetoed by Gov. Dayton, May 21
Source: Minnesota Legislative voting records on HB844
, Apr 25, 2015
Page last updated: Jul 01, 2018