House Republicans clear way for more education spending

ST. PAUL -- House Republicans on Friday set aside an additional $32 million for K-12 education, more than doubling what they planned to spend during the nonbudget year.

The allotment brings the education package to $61 million, which leaves the House about $175 million shy of what the DFL-controlled Senate is proposing. Gov. Jesse Ventura wants schools to live within the $7.9 billion budget lawmakers approved last year.

The extra money in the House bill would help districts fill holes in their budgets from unexpected teacher retirements that reduced training and experience revenue schools receive for senior teachers. It would add to a bill that includes funding for small school districts, technology and work-training programs.

The House Ways and Means committee voted 25-2 to approve the new spending, which also includes $21 million that nursing homes can use to increase worker pay. The provisions are part of separate bills up for debate in the full House next week.

In the big picture, no new state money would be required.