(KNSI) — House Education Finance Committee held a hearing on House File 18, authored by St. Cloud area Representative Dan Wolgamott, which would fully fund Minnesota’s special education cross-subsidy.
Proponents say special education services in Minnesota are underfunded by an estimated $780 million per year. When Congress initially passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, they committed to cover 40% of costs associated with Special Education, but they have never come close to meeting that commitment. Even if they did, lawmakers say Minnesota school districts would be short an estimated $128 million per year – the state’s share of the cross-subsidy. This bill would increase a school district’s annual cross-subsidy aid from 6.43% of their initial cross-subsidy to 100%.
Wolgamott contends the state owes $14 million yearly just to District 742 for its special ed services.
“Passing this legislation and closing the special education cross-subsidy will ensure our special education students can reach their fullest potential, and that all of our students have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.”
Ultimately, House File 18, and another bill, House File 21, authored by Representative Samantha Vang of Brooklyn Center to fund full-service community schools, were laid over for possible inclusion in a bigger education spending bill later this session.
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