The final report from MASA on the 2008 legislative session by Charlie Kyte, Executive Director
Click on the video below for a quick summary of the 2008 legislative session. The video is of Charlie Kyte on the Capitol steps the morning after the session ended.
There are audio and video versions of this report on the MASA Website (www.mnasa.org). Just click on the word BLOG in the middle of the page and then click on the audio bar or on the video. Each is about 6 1/2 minutes long.
HARD NEGOTIATION, BUT A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION
The hours dragged by, but everyone stayed calm. In the end the Legislature and the Governor came to an agreement that corrects the state's budget deficiency and still get a few dollars to schools. We had a long weekend at the Capitol. I, along with a few other education lobbyists, were there late into Friday evening, from 8:30-AM Saturday to 5:50 AM on Sunday morning. Our ace lobbyist Valerie Dosland was there again from noon to midnight on Sunday. But the deal got done.
VALERIE'S SUMARY TO BE POSTED LATER TODAY
As soon as it is ready, we will post Valerie's summary of the legislative session. It should come on-line by this afternoon (Monday)
MONEY FOR SCHOOLS
1% ($51/ pu) for one year and 1% ($51/pu) in transfer authority from Capitol Funds were approved. Q-Comp excess funds are frozen for 1 year. Beginning in 2009-2010 Districts will also begin receiving money from the School Trust Fund Lands. In the 1st year, this will be about $30/pu. This has the potential to grow over time.
NEW LEVY AUTHORITIES
There are 3 new levy possibilities for schools. Each will affect only some districts. The first is an increased lease levy authority (from $100 to $150). The second is levy authority to pay back money for the federally funded LCTS programs where counties and districts had an unfavorable audit. This money can be paid back over 3 years and schools can use their judgement levy authority. This effects the school districts in 13 counties. Finally schools can now bond for post-retirement obligations and then levy over future years to pay off the bond. This is a complicated authority and Districts will want to study this carefully before using it.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Schools will be able to use private security firms to do the BCA background checks on new employees if you prefer to do that. In addition, schools will need to do background checks on all coaches (paid and volunteer) in the future.
STATEWIDE HEALTH INSURANCE
The legislature passed a statewide educator's health insurance Bill. The Governor's has just vetoed this Bill. MASA had strongly recommended a veto. PENSION BILL SHOULD BE SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR The Pension Bill contains several improvements and also calls for a study to improve the retirement benefits of post 1989 TRA members. There is a reasonable hope that the post 1989 issue will be resolved next year.DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HAS BUDGET CUT BACK
All state agencies, including the Department of Education received a 4% reduction in funding. The MDE is already understaffed and this cut back will be challenging for them. As an added comment, Commissioner Seagren worked hard all weekend to help secure a decent outcome for schools.THANK YOU'S AND NEXT YEAR
It is time to thank legislators. Please take the time to write a note to your local legislators. In a difficult budget year, they kept working until an agreement was reached. Even a small amount of additional money for schools should be acknowledged when many other areas of government were taking cut backs. Also, if you came to the Capitol during the session and met with leaders, be sure to drop them a note of appreciation as well.
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