Association of Metropolitan School Districts

June 8, 2011

Budget Negotiations

Budget negotiations between the Governor and legislative leaders continue albeit at a slow pace.  On Monday, legislative leaders presented a new offer to the Governor.  The offer would increase the legislative budget targets for E-12 Education and Public Safety to match the Governor’s original budget proposal.  That would mean an increase of $80 million to the legislature’s E-12 budget target.  The legislative offer did not include new revenue but would instead fund those increases by making reductions in other, unspecified areas of the budget.  The bottom line is that the Governor and legislative leaders remain about $1.8 billion apart in their proposed spending level for the 2012-13 biennium.

Most of the negotiations currently underway are being conducted in private with the exception of the meetings of the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy.  You can watch the LCPFP meetings here but quite frankly, I would not recommend it unless you enjoy watching partisan sniping and bickering.

Government Shutdown Web Site

As we continue to march toward the June 30 deadline for reaching a budget agreement and a possible government shutdown, state agencies are busy making contingency plans.  Minnesota Management and Budget has established a web site that includes answers to frequently asked questions about the impact of a shutdown.

Press Event

Several school board members from across the metropolitan area will hold a press conference tomorrow, June 8, at noon in front of Edina High School to urge state policymakers to work together to break the budget impasse and adopt a balanced education budget that protects our schools and students.  I am attaching a copy of the media advisory for your information.  AMSD board members are welcome to attend the event.