Petition to increase school funding earns more than 20,000 signatures
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CHRIS WILLIAMS
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota. May 14, 2021 – A petition asking Gov. Tim Walz and the state Legislature to make new investments that move the state toward fully funding public schools has garnered more than 20,000 signatures, Education Minnesota announced Friday.
The petition, “Protect our Public Schools,” had more than 20,600 signatures as of Friday morning and was gaining additional support by the hour. The issue of school funding has become even more pressing in many districts where layoffs have already been announced.
“Minnesotans want our students to attend welcoming schools that prepare them for success after high school,” said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. “Unfortunately, the Legislature keeps making funding decisions that put that goal out of reach for many students. Schools need an increase to ongoing funding so they can hire more trusted counselors and social workers, lower class sizes, support students of color and put more resources into Greater Minnesota.”
Education Minnesota is joining with other members of the We Make Minnesota coalition at a rally at 2 p.m. Saturday outside the state Capitol. The coalition is calling on Minnesota’s elected leaders to fund the futures of its citizens by making sure the wealthiest individuals and the largest corporations pay their fair share for the things working families need to thrive.
Education Minnesota plans to deliver printed versions of the petition to elected leaders over the weekend.
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.
