MASA... "At the Capitol" w/ Charlie.... Final Manuevering

There are 10 days to go in the Minnesota State Legislative session. This is a report on how K-12 education is affected. By Charlie Kyte of MASA.

The accompanying audio pod cast is 7 1/2 minutes long.

TUMULTUOUS PAUSE:

The BIG Finance Bill has now cleared the conference committee process, but is still being held while negotiations with the Governor go on. This is the Bill that cuts back on the state budget, but does contain a one-time $51 increase for K-12. The money for this increase comes from the excess Q-Comp money. While this move is opposed by the Governor, it is only one small part of a larger Bill.

It is unclear at this time if the legislature wil continue to compromise with the Governor or if they will send him a Bill he opposes. IF he opposes, he could veto the Bill and then the legislature may have a run at a 'veto override' if time permits. There is also a chance of a Special Session. I explain this more thoroughly on the audio pod cast.

Watch the accusations fly over the next few days. It will be good political theater.

DOLLAR'S, POLICY AND PENSIONS:

As I said above there is a possibility of $51 ppu on a one-time basis, but don't spend it yet.

The Governor will get the K-12 Policy Bill soon and may veto over controversial language about the revised school report cards.

STATEWIDE HEALTH INSURANCE:

Within the last 48 hours Education Minnesota began to push forward publicly on the Statewide Health Insurance Bill. They are looking for a committee that will put it into play. We believe they will succeed at this and the Bill will probably once again land on the Governors desk. It is likely to be vetoed.

ECFE VARIANCES:

This over site from last year has been corrected. Now schools can ask for variances for ECFE teachers in the same fashion as for other teaching staff.

REGIONAL MEETINGS SCHEDULED:

Charlie will be coming to a number of region meetings in the next few weeks. Included are:

St. Cloud........ May 13
Mankato........ May 21
Staples......... May 22
Chisholm....... May 28
Marshall........ June 4
Baudette....... June 5
Lakes Country. June 26