Minnesota educators and students could pay the price for federal chaos
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota. March 6, 2025 – Minnesota educators and students could pay the price for the uncertainty around federal economic policies, which is depressing the economy, raising inflation and reducing the state’s estimated budget surplus, said Education Minnesota President Denise Specht.
Minnesota Management and Budget released a new budget forecast Thursday which showed inflation was increasing and it predicted a slowing economy. Thursday’s forecast showed a $456 million positive balance in the upcoming budget cycle, down $160 million from the November forecast.
Providing a high-quality education to Minnesota students is one of the state’s largest expenses, which means there will be less money available to address the shortage of educators through improved pay, pensions and health care.
“The cost of the president’s chaos should not be paid by the educators and students of Minnesota,” Specht said. “The Trump administration’s new tariffs and plans for reckless and cruel cuts to Medicaid, the U.S. Department of Education, and other vital services would touch every school district, campus and community in Minnesota. We urge our congressional delegation to do everything they can to stop the president before he does more harm. The cuts moving through Congress would be devastating.”
Specht said Education Minnesota would continue working with state legislators to provide the education Minnesota students deserve.
“State lawmakers must live up to their commitments to public education for inflation-adjustments to the per-pupil formula, special education and other programs – especially now,” Specht said. “We believe there is still some room in the budget for progress on teacher pensions and to slow the spiraling cost of health care for educators. However, it is vital that the Legislature maximize revenues and reject more tax breaks for the wealthiest Minnesotans and international corporations. There is too much confusion in Congress and the White House to add even more risk to the state budget.”
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
