Since taking office in 2011, Gov. Mark Dayton has:

• invested $895 million in E-12 education
• paid back all of the $2.8 billion the 2010 (GOP-controlled) legislature borrowed from our schools
• frozen tuition or increased financial ad for over 482,000 MInnesota college students and grads.

These major investments, and other important reforms, give Minnesota’s student the high-quality education they need to succeed in school and life — and compete in today’s global economy.

What does that mean?

More Funding for Every School — After a decade of stagnant funding and budget cuts, Gov. Dayton reinvested in our schools. In fact, the Governor increased the school funding formula by $371 million since coming into office in 2011. That provides more money for every school in our state. These new monies, along with the investment from other efforts, total $895 million since 2011.

Paying Back the School Shift — Gov. Dayton and the DFL Legislature (our own Rep. Yvonne Selcer drafted the bill) repaid all of the $2.8 billion borrowed from our public schools.

Early Learning Scholarships — Over the last 4 years, Gov. Dayton has invested nearly $50 million in early learning scholarships that help 9,000 low- and middle-income students attend quality child care and preschool programs statewide.

Special Education Reform – The Governor invested in special education reforms that provide better support for special education teachers, eliminate unnecessary paperwork, and created an online system to better-track student data to help kids succeed.

School Nutrition – Gov. Dayton invested in school nutrition programs, providing free breakfast for all Kindergartners, and helping ensure no child is denied a healthy lunch in school.

Better Reading – The Governor invested nearly $157 million to ensure all Minnesota students are reading well by 3^rd grade, and to provide one-on-one reading tutoring for kids.

English Language Learning – Gov. Dayton invested in English Language Learning programs, providing school districts the flexibility and funding to help every child prepare for success in school.

Teacher and Principal Evaluations – New teacher and principal evaluation systems enacted by the Governor will provide ongoing feedback and professional support to educators to ensure that Minnesota has great teachers in every classroom and great leaders in every school.

Safe and Supportive Schools Act – Gov. Dayton strengthened protections against the threat of bullying in Minnesota schools. The new Safe and Supportive Schools Act provides local districts the guidance, support, and flexibility to adopt clear and enforceable school policies to help protect all children from bullying, and to reinforce the principles of tolerance and respect in our schools.

Investments in Higher Education

Tuition Freeze – Gov. Dayton froze tuition for students at the University of Minnesota and MnSCU for a period of two years. This helped make college more affordable for 282,000 students.

State Grant Program – The Governor signed into law the largest increase in direction financial student aid in state history, increasing State Grant awards by an average $295 for 100,000 students, and expanding the program to make an additional 15,000 students eligible for financial aid.

Tax Cuts for Students – Tax cuts signed into law by Gov. Dayton last session provided direct tax relief to Minnesota students, including: allowing 285,000 recent college graduates to deduct their student loan interest, saving up to $190 per year; providing 40,000 college students and parents an average tuition deduction of $140 per year; and increasing the amount Minnesotans can contribute to Education Savings Accounts from just $500 previously to as much as $2,000. 

Investments in Higher Education Infrastructure – Since 2011, Gov. Dayton has invested $885 million in improving higher education infrastructure – updating labs, classrooms, and other facilities to ensure Minnesota students have access to world-class learning facilities.

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