Educators remind Minnesota lawmakers: Schools are the engine of the economy, and engines need fuel

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ST. PAUL, Minn. Dec. 2, 2016 – Gov. Mark Dayton and the next Minnesota Legislature are forecast to have a surplus of more than $1 billion during the next biennium due to steady economic growth and years of responsible budgeting.

Education Minnesota President Denise Specht released the following statement Friday in response to the new state budget and economic forecasts:

“The men and women educated by Minnesota’s public schools and colleges continue to drive our economy forward, but that progress will slow if our leaders fail to invest in the possibilities of the next generation of Minnesotans,” Specht said. “Everyone in our state benefits when all students are given an equal opportunity to become a great leader, innovator or discoverer, regardless of where they live.”

“Investing in opportunities for students in every corner of the state starts with confronting the teacher shortage; providing students with modern, functional buildings in which to learn; making college affordable; hiring enough counselors and support staff; and giving every family access to high-quality preschool,” Specht said. “Educators know lawmakers will face many demands for resources in 2017, but we hope they remember that public education is the engine of our economy, and that engines need fuel.”

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.