Create a better future for Minnesota by investing the new surplus in its students
For more information, contact:
CHRIS WILLIAMS
651-292-4816 (work)
651-247-5539 (cell)
ST. PAUL, Minnesota. Feb. 28, 2022 – Revitalizing the state’s public schools and colleges should be state leaders’ top priority for the unexpected surge in the state’s budget surplus announced Monday, said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota.
The updated forecast was $1.5 billion more than the previously forecast $7.7 billion, bringing the total projected budget surplus to $9.25 billion. The change was driven by rising corporate profits, increasing personal incomes and consumer spending.
The following statement may be attributed to President Specht:
“Chronic underfunding by the state, rising inflation, deteriorating student mental health and a mushrooming staffing crisis have left many schools unable to fully meet the needs of their students. This surplus is a generational opportunity to stop local budget cuts and, instead, to provide all Minnesota students the chance to learn in a fully funded neighborhood school that meets their needs, followed by a post-secondary education that every family can afford. Our students have waited long enough.”
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.
