Gov. Dayton's biennial budget includes large investments in education
(THE MED CITY BEAT) - Gov. Mark Dayton would spend nearly half of the projected $1 billion surplus on new investments in education.
The Minnesota governor unveiled his 2015-16 state budget at a news conference Tuesday morning. It calls for $373 million more in PreK-12 education and $93 million extra for the higher education system.
“Our budget priorities are clear: provide excellent, affordable educations for every student, and give Minnesota families the support they need to raise happy, healthy children,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith, according to a news release.
The budget includes an expansion of early childhood tax credits, but does not fund a DFL proposal in the Minnesota Senate to provide free community college.
Republicans responded late Tuesday afternoon by criticizing the governor's proposal for increased spending.
“While I am relieved to see some areas we can find common ground, like reading programs for elementary students, it was uninspiring to see Gov. Dayton resort to taking more money from hardworking Minnesotans," said House Speaker Kurt Daudt in a statement.
The governor's proposed budget will serve as the framework for several months of debate in the state Legislature.
Click here to view the governor's budget by the numbers.
(Cover photo: File / Gov. Dayton's office)
