Education Minnesota to Legislature: Invest $3.7 billion surplus in educators
For more information, contact:
SCOTT BEAUCHAMP
612-757-1624 (cell)
ST. PAUL, Minnesota. Feb. 27, 2026 – Today’s budget forecast offers some hope for Minnesota’s economic outlook and provides the Legislature with an opportunity to invest in critical areas of need, including the skyrocketing health care costs faced by educators.
“Even before the chaos of the last few months, educators were struggling financially due to inadequate compensation and unaffordable health insurance options. Health insurance costs continue to outpace overall inflation and wage increases, leaving too many educators unable to afford basic care. We are calling on the Legislature to invest the projected surplus wisely and provide improved pay, pensions and health care for educators so they can continue supporting the next generation of Minnesotans,” said Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota.
“ICE operations in Minnesota, along with threats of federal funds being withheld by the Trump administration, are causing chaos for communities and schools across our state. With this surplus, it is more important than ever for the state to implement stable sources of funding to increase financial support for educators and offset losses caused by the Trump administration.”
According to the Minnesota Management and Budget Office, Minnesota’s budget outlook has improved despite significant near-term economic and fiscal uncertainty. The projected balance for FY 2026–27 is now $3.7 billion, which is $1.3 billion higher than the November estimate. A slightly improved economic outlook is driving the higher revenue forecast, largely due to more volatile revenue sources.
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.
