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ST. PAUL, Minn., May 16, 2015 - The following is a statement from Education Minnesota President Denise Specht on the current budget negotiations at the state Capitol.

"The budget deal proposed by leaders in the House and Senate picks too many winners and losers, including families who can't afford high-quality preschool and college students who will pay for rising tuition bills. With a nearly $1.9 billion surplus, Minnesota can do better for its working families. If not now, when?" Specht said.

"I want to thank Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith for standing strong and supporting our students and schools and insisting on a higher spending target than the $400 million proposed by House and Senate negotiators," she said.

"Students are being short-changed at a time when we should be building on the progress made over the last two years in education. Continuing our support for all students and making investments in our earliest learners are key to closing the opportunity gap.”

About Education Minnesota

Education Minnesota represents 70,000 professionals working together for excellence in education for all 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.