Senate approves K-12 bill; Schedules posted

Yesterday at the Capitol

The Senate approved the K-12 education finance bill on the floor yesterday by a partisan vote of 36-25. The bill increases slightly the basic per-pupil formula, but eliminates integration aid. The measure also freezes school district employee salaries, and prohibits teachers from striking over wages, but allows teachers to strike for non-economic reasons. The bill also gives charter school authorizers until June 30, 2012 to get commissioner approval to continue in that role. The House approved their version of the bill earlier in the week. In regards to the passage of the House bill, Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius said in a letter to House K-12 Chair Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington, that she and Gov. Dayton do not support the bill, and it is "harmful to at-risk students." Now that both bodies have passed a bill, the next stop is conference committee.

Today at the Capitol

There are no meetings scheduled, however legislative leaders will hold their weekly media briefing at 10:00 a.m.


Looking Ahead

Monday, April 4

10:00 AM
Senate in Session

3:00 PM
House in Session

4:00 PM (or call of the chair)
House Ways and Means
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg
Agenda: TBA

Thursday, April 7

8:15 AM
House State Government Finance
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Morrie Lanning
Agenda: HF210 (Kiffmeyer) Voter picture identification required before receiving a ballot, identification cards provided at no charge, provisional ballot procedures established, election administration procedures specified, electronic polling place required, recount procedures enacted, and money appropriated.

Friday, April 8

12:00 PM
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement
Room 10 State Office Building
Agenda: Organizational Meeting
Election of 2011-2012 Commission Officers:
- Chair
- Vice Chair
- Secretary