Welcome to the Office of the Governor Newsroom. This is where you can find our most recent press releases and other information.
To reach Governor Dayton's Communications Department - please call 651-201-3400.
3/28/2018 1:05:30 PM
ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton yesterday urged the Minnesota Legislature to protect preKindergarten funding for 4,000 students at 59 school districts and charter schools across the state. These schools stand to lose state funding unless the Legislature takes action to continue preKindergarten investments for Minnesota four-year-olds. Governor Dayton’s Budget for a Better Minnesota would secure permanent preKindergarten funding for 59 school districts and charter schools, which were only provided temporary funding by the Legislature last session.
Read below what some Minnesota legislators are saying about the risk to schools districts in their areas.
| Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools (District #11)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 32
|
Total Funding: $172,716
|
Rep. Erin Koegel: “The positive effects of early education make a huge difference on our young learners while setting them up for success in the years ahead. While I’m pleased both the Anoka-Hennepin and Spring Lake Park Public School Districts received the one-time funding for pre-K and school readiness plus, it is set to end in 2019. Continuing this funding in the years ahead is a meaningful step toward ensuring our early learners get off to a strong start in school and in life.” Sen. John Hoffman: “Time and again, research shows that early childhood education provides an excellent return on investment to taxpayers. I applaud Governor Dayton’s decision to renew this vital pre-K funding for our local school districts and for other children across the state.” |
|
| Bloomington Public Schools (District #271)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 42
|
Total Funding: $280,229
|
Sen. Melissa Wiklund: “I applaud Governor Dayton’s plan for continued Pre-K funding. I have long supported these efforts because I know how important early childhood education is to Minnesota families, and how much of a crucial difference it can make for getting children off to a great start. The supportive comments I’ve heard from Richfield and Bloomington parents, teachers, and school support staff bear this out.” |
|
| Burnsville Public Schools (District #191)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 104
|
Total Funding: $556,418
|
Sen. Greg Clausen: “I applaud Governor Dayton for once again making PreK funding a priority in his 2018 supplemental budget. The Legislature’s failure to pass a permanent budget for this program in 2017 requires renewed funding in the 2018 supplemental budget to keep our commitment to Minnesota families. Governor Dayton’s proposal continues and expands current PreK funding, offering more than 13,000 Minnesota students a new opportunity for quality early education in more than 260 school districts.” |
|
| Duluth Public Schools (District #709)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 20
|
Total Funding: $100,098
|
Rep. Jennifer Schultz: “We all clearly know the value that quality, affordable preK brings to our youngest learners and their families. Delivering these investments is not just critical to ensuring all Minnesota students are prepared for kindergarten, but for a long-term path of academic achievement. I thank Gov. Dayton for including these investments in his budget, and hope the Legislature can maintain its commitment to Minnesota’s early learners.” Rep. Liz Olson: “Students who enroll in preK learn important academic, social, and behavioral skills, without which they can be at risk of starting kindergarten behind their peers. Further, as affordable child care continues to be out of reach for many families, expanded preK opportunities will help alleviate this tremendous barrier to a secure economic future. I applaud the Governor for his commitment to expanding opportunities for all Minnesota children.” Sen: Erik Simonson: “Governor Dayton’s commitment to supporting the smallest Minnesotans is second to none. By investing in pre-K, we will better prepare our future workforce to compete in a global economy. This proposal will improve the lives of families in Duluth and across our state.” |
|
| East Central Public School District (District #2580)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 37
|
Total Funding: $190,694
|
Sen. Tony Lourey: “Investing in our littlest Minnesotans is the best investment we make collectively as a society. There has been no bigger champion at the State Capitol for preschool-aged children than Governor Dayton. I thank the governor for his leadership and stand with him in support of vital pre-K dollars here in my district and throughout our state.” |
|
| Hinckley-Finlayson Public Schools (District #2165)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 35
|
Total Funding: $191,316
|
Sen. Tony Lourey: “Investing in our littlest Minnesotans is the best investment we make collectively as a society. There has been no bigger champion at the State Capitol for preschool-aged children than Governor Dayton. I thank the governor for his leadership and stand with him in support of vital pre-K dollars here in my district and throughout our state.” |
|
| Minneapolis Public Schools (District #413)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 121
|
Total Funding: $990,281
|
Rep. Jean Wagenius: “Minnesota should not be abandoning its early learners. We know the incredible proven benefits from early childhood education and we should not stop until Minnesota has universal prekindergarten for every four-year-old. Thank you Governor Dayton for these first steps; Minnesota’s future is brighter because of your work.” Sen. Bobby Jo Champion: “It has been proven that pre-k programming yields so many positive results, including closing the achievement gap and as a result enhances the overall quality of life for the lifelong learner. Gov. Dayton has been courageous in his efforts to increase funding for pre-k programs, and we call on all members of the legislature to continue to support funding for our children.” |
|
| Nashwauk-Keewatin Public Schools (District #319)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 23
|
Total Funding: $129,184
|
Rep. Julie Sandstede: “We’ve made significant progress to create opportunities for our youngest learners, and as a teacher, I’ve seen the direct impact this has on their success. If we don’t continue these investments, over 100 kids in the region I represent could lose access to quality preK education. Making this funding permanent isn’t just critical for these children, but is critical for the future of our state.” |
|
| North St. Paul - Maplewood - Oakdale Public Schools (District #622)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 144
|
Total Funding: $793,533
|
Sen. Chuck Wiger: “Over the years, Governor Dayton has been an unwavering advocate for our tiniest Minnesotans. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, especially our World’s Best Workforce initiative that will better prepare children to reach their full potential. Renewing pre-K funding is a smart investment for taxpayers and it is the right thing to do.” Sen. Susan Kent: “We know pre-K is proven to benefit all children and is one of our best options for closing the achievement gap here in Minnesota. If the legislature doesn’t act, 59 school districts and charter schools could shut out about 4,000 Minnesota students who are looking for prekindergarten options, including 144 students in the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale Public School District. Governor Dayton’s Budget for a Better Minnesota could make this pre-K funding permanent and ensure families are not denied the chance to provide early education options to their kids based on the whims of legislators. This is an important investment for students, families, and Minnesotans across the state.” |
|
| Osseo Public Schools (District #279)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 51
|
Total Funding: $254,195
|
Sen. John Hoffman: “Time and again, research shows that early childhood education provides an excellent return on investment to taxpayers. I applaud Governor Dayton’s decision to renew this vital pre-K funding for our local school districts and for other children across the state.” |
|
| Rochester Public Schools (District #535)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 120
|
Total Funding: $653,014
|
Rep. Duane Sauke: “The Rochester Public School District has been one of many in the state to benefit from receiving pre-K funding. Unfortunately, it was one-time funding and will expire next year, meaning many of our youngest learners will lose the opportunity to benefit from these valuable programs. We must continue to explore new and creative avenues to set our children up for success in the years ahead, and extending the funding for pre-K is an important piece of that puzzle.” |
|
| Rosemount-Apple Valley- Eagan Public Schools (District #196)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 46
|
Total Funding: $326,624
|
Rep. Erin Maye Quade: “We know, and have seen, the positive effects of early learning for children and their family. We should not only make our current early learning programs permanent, but work to expand prekindergarten to every four-year-old in Minnesota. Governor Dayton has been a champion for Minnesota students, especially early childhood education, and I wholeheartedly support his proposal.” Sen. Greg Clausen: “I applaud Governor Dayton for once again making PreK funding a priority in his 2018 supplemental budget. The Legislature’s failure to pass a permanent budget for this program in 2017 requires renewed funding in the 2018 supplemental budget to keep our commitment to Minnesota families. Governor Dayton’s proposal continues and expands current PreK funding, offering more than 13,000 Minnesota students a new opportunity for quality early education in more than 260 school districts.” |
|
| Roseville Public Schools (District #623)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 20
|
Total Funding: $154,800
|
Rep. Alice Hausman: “Unfortunately, the 2017 legislature only approved one-time funding for pre-K in some communities and without additional support, families will not be able to give their children this important jump-start. Because the legislature only provided one time funding, this benefit could end for hundreds of children across the state. I fully support Governor Dayton’s proposal to make funding permanent for voluntary pre-K, which studies show makes a significant positive difference in the lives of children. “The current short-sighted, temporary funding could impact 20 Roseville School District students and 227 in the St. Paul district. The legislature must approve funding this year, so there is no interruption in giving our 4-year-olds the best start possible in school.” Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn: “All children deserve access to a quality education. Pre-K programs have proven to be an effective way to give kids a shot at a better future and prevent current and future educational disparities. Taking this opportunity away from the state’s youngest learners and their families does not reflect our Minnesota values.” Sen. Chuck Wiger: “Over the years, Governor Dayton has been an unwavering advocate for our tiniest Minnesotans. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, especially our World’s Best Workforce initiative that will better prepare children to reach their full potential. Renewing pre-K funding is a smart investment for taxpayers and it is the right thing to do.” |
|
| Spring Lake Park Public Schools (District #16)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 40
|
Total Funding: $267,065
|
Rep. Erin Koegel: “The positive effects of early education make a huge difference on our young learners while setting them up for success in the years ahead. While I’m pleased both the Anoka-Hennepin and Spring Lake Park Public School Districts received the one-time funding for pre-K and school readiness plus, it is set to end in 2019. Continuing this funding in the years ahead is a meaningful step toward ensuring our early learners get off to a strong start in school and in life.” |
|
| St. Louis County Public Schools (District #625)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 85
|
Total Funding: $609,642
|
Rep. Julie Sandstede: “We’ve made significant progress to create opportunities for our youngest learners, and as a teacher, I’ve seen the direct impact this has on their success. If we don’t continue these investments, over 100 kids in the region I represent could lose access to quality preK education. Making this funding permanent isn’t just critical for these children, but is critical for the future of our state.” Rep. Jason Metsa: “In Minnesota, we’ve long been proud of delivering a world-class education to our kids. The progress we’ve made to expand quality preK over the last several years is a huge part of that. Creating these opportunities gets our children off on the right foot toward a life of learning, giving them necessary skills to go with a solid foundation of academic support. Expanded preK can also remove pressure on families who can’t find affordable childcare. “I’ve seen the success of preK at schools like Parkview Elementary in Virginia. Considering these results, it’s unacceptable that there’s a potential that opportunities like these throughout the state could disappear. I look forward to partnering with Gov. Dayton to push for these critical investments to continue so we can keep improving outcomes for our youngest learners.” Sen. Tony Lourey: “Investing in our littlest Minnesotans is the best investment we make collectively as a society. There has been no bigger champion at the State Capitol for preschool-aged children than Governor Dayton. I thank the governor for his leadership and stand with him in support of vital pre-K dollars here in my district and throughout our state.” |
|
| St. Paul Public Schools (District #625)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 227
|
Total Funding: $1,678,717
|
Rep. Alice Hausman: “Unfortunately, the 2017 legislature only approved one-time funding for pre-K in some communities and without additional support, families will not be able to give their children this important jump-start. Because the legislature only provided one time funding, this benefit could end for hundreds of children across the state. I fully support Governor Dayton’s proposal to make funding permanent for voluntary pre-K, which studies show makes a significant positive difference in the lives of children. “The current short-sighted, temporary funding could impact 20 Roseville School District students and 227 in the St. Paul district. The legislature must approve funding this year, so there is no interruption in giving our 4-year-olds the best start possible in school.” Rep. Dave Pinto: “Investing in young minds pays off many times over, for their families and for all of us. I hear this over and over again at my Prenatal to Three Policy Forums. The bulk of the families taking part in pre-k programs in St. Paul are low income and they benefit greatly from this support. I thank Governor Dayton for his continued leadership on behalf of young children in St. Paul and throughout Minnesota.” Rep. Rena Moran: “All Minnesota kids deserve a world-class education, and the opportunity to do well and succeed. Governor Dayton has championed improving opportunities for preschool-aged children to succeed, and I have his back in this fight for St. Paul kids to do well. Low-income families in my community know how valuable this support for pre-K is, and I’m thankful that Governor Dayton sees the value in it.” Rep. John Lesch: “All Minnesota students should have the opportunity to start kindergarten fully prepared to learn and achieve, and it would be irresponsible to allow this funding to end. Quality preK programming gives kids a significant jumpstart not just when it comes to academic learning, but how they interact with their peers and develop social and behavioral skills. These resources have also helped close our opportunity gap, so we can’t put this progress in jeopardy. Education for four-year-olds shouldn’t be a political bargaining chip year after year. Let’s do the right thing and invest in Minnesota’s kids.” Rep. Carlos Mariani: “Passing universal pre-K for thousands of Minnesota’s earliest learners will help ensure they get off to a strong start in life. This investment is helping hundreds of St. Paul children, and it’s an investment we need to continue. I appreciate Governor Dayton’s recognition of this and his leadership for vital pre-K dollars here in St. Paul and throughout our state.” Sen. Sandy Papas: “I strongly support the Governor’s budget recommendations which include many key provisions that are included in the SPPS agenda including: increases in special education, increased revenue for safe schools, and stabilizing revenue for preK. Last year, the special session bill provided $50 million in additional revenue to meet the statewide demand for high quality PreK programs. However, the increase was only for the current biennium. St. Paul is one of 59 districts or charter schools that received one-time funding for 227 children enrolled in either half or all-day prekindergarten. “The Governor recommends not only ongoing funding, but an increase as well in FY20-21 to address the demand. Without this on-going funding, 227 children are at risk of losing their opportunity for a four-star quality preK—that targets our most at risk families: those eligible for free/reduced lunch, English language learners, or special education and who experience the greatest number of barriers for accessing high quality PreK programs.” |
|
| West St. Paul – Mendota Heights – Eagan Public Schools (District 197)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 162
|
Total Funding: $934,454
|
Sen. Greg Clausen: “I applaud Governor Dayton for once again making PreK funding a priority in his 2018 supplemental budget. The Legislature’s failure to pass a permanent budget for this program in 2017 requires renewed funding in the 2018 supplemental budget to keep our commitment to Minnesota families. Governor Dayton’s proposal continues and expands current PreK funding, offering more than 13,000 Minnesota students a new opportunity for quality early education in more than 260 school districts.” |
|
| White Bear Lake Public Schools (District #624)
|
|
| Estimated PreKindergarten Students: 30
|
Total Funding: $183,886
|
Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn: “All children deserve access to a quality education. Pre-K programs have proven to be an effective way to give kids a shot at a better future and prevent current and future educational disparities. Taking this opportunity away from the state’s youngest learners and their families does not reflect our Minnesota values.” Sen. Chuck Wiger: “Over the years, Governor Dayton has been an unwavering advocate for our tiniest Minnesotans. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, especially our World’s Best Workforce initiative that will better prepare children to reach their full potential. Renewing pre-K funding is a smart investment for taxpayers and it is the right thing to do.” |
|
