MASA AUDIO/ TEXT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE-MARCH 6, 2006

By: Charlie Kyte, MASA Executive Director

You can read a brief synopsis or click on the audioblog below to hear Charlie discuss today's report!

Legislative Leadership Meetings:

There have been a whole series of meetings between the group of lobbyists representing education interests and the legislative leaders.  The group, called the BELL Group, has met with Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum, Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, and will soon be meeting with the Education Finance Committee chairs as well.  We are getting a good idea of what may, or may not, be possible in each house of the legislature.  In addition, MASA has met with representatives of the Governor's office and tomorrow we will be briefed on the MDE's education Bill.  Below is a brief summary of what we have been hearing.

Education Funding possibilities are slowly emerging: There is an interest by the leadership to protect the restoration of the school funding shifts that are now in law and underway.  The biggest interest in any new spending by the legislature is in the area of tax relief.  Their choices are to increase the local government aids (LGA), provide direct homeowner relief or reduce the school levies.  Obviously, with appropriate equalization, the third choice would be best for the schools.

In addition, there is a slight possibility of the legislature approving some 'one time' funding for energy expenses or a slight enhancement of the general aid formulas.  It is too soon to tell if either of these is a realistic possibility.

Minneapolis Teachers Pension Issue:

The Governor, the Speaker and the Senate Majority Leader all feel the time has come to solve the Minneapolis Pension issue. However, we are also getting the signal that some modifications to the existing proposal could be made that would make the solution less burdensome to the TRA covered schools and members.

Statewide Health Insurance...'Is a compromise possible?':

Without any intervention, the Mandatory Statewide Health Insurance Bill will be introduced onto the House floor late in the legislative session and will have a possibility of passage.  Then it would go to the Senate where it would pass.  In the end, the Bill could end up on the Governor's desk for either signature or veto.

We believe the Governor will propose, in his 'State of the State' speech on Wednesday, some type of compromise solution.  School Districts and the state associations will want to consider this proposal carefully as a possible compromise to the mandatory idea.  The Governor will probably propose a 'voluntary' solution.

Comments

[Aaron Tinklenberg]

Charlie,
This is very interesting and kind of neat way of presenting this information. I will be sure to check back often.
Aaron Tinklenberg
ISD 192 Communications Specialist

[Randy Bruer]

Charlie,
This is a great way to post live information to all MASA members. Providing pictures along with audio holds the attention to all listeners. I will check this often.

Randy Bruer
Superintendent