House GOP Finalizes Bid in Education Funding Debate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota House Republicans have finalized their bid in the state’s education finance debate.

The chamber passed its budget bill 69-61 largely along party lines Saturday after more than four hours of debate.

Minority Democrats warned the roughly $157 million in new spending won’t keep up with inflation and will lead to teacher layoffs and program cuts.

Democrats in control of the Senate laid out new spending of about $361 million in their school funding bill.

Gov. Mark Dayton has called both proposals unacceptable.

He wants to designate more of the state’s projected $1.9 billion surplus to education.

The House and Senate both passed on Dayton’s $343 million plan to fund voluntary high-quality preschool across the state.

All three groups have until May 18 to hash out an agreement.