State Rep. Terry Morrow (DFL- St. Peter) joined his fellow members of the House K-12 Education Finance Committee today in announcing a 1% funding increase in 2009 for schools as part of the House education budget.

“A child enters first grade only once and deserves a great start,” said Morrow. “The responsible and reasonable use of available funds helps make sure our schools are equipped to provide them with a good education when they get there.”

According to Morrow, the vice-chair of the House K-12 Education Finance Committee, the plan uses one-time money to provide emergency relief for Minnesota’s schools. The proposal will send money directly to the classroom by making use of unused Q-Comp funds, state budget reserve funds and by agreeing with the Governor’s recommendation for a 4% agency cut at the Minnesota Department of Education.

The emergency funding package provides a $51 per-pupil increase for the 2009 school year to be distributed equally to every school district in Minnesota. Schools in dire need are offered additional short-term flexibility to use an additional $51 per pupil from operating capital reserve for general fund balance purposes.

“We came into this session committed to providing more funding for schools in 2009,” said Morrow. “This package is a creative and responsible way to continue investing in the future of our children.”

Representative Morrow, who also serves on the House Education Finance Task Force, ensured that a long-term solution for K-12 school funding is coming soon. The Task Force will bring forth its plan after the Easter break.