Rep. Zeleznikar Votes Yes for HF 3900, a proposed bill to increase funding to public and charter schools.
Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar voted yes to support HF 3900. This bill proposes a constitutional amendment related to our state permanent school fund to increase payments to our public and charter schools. Currently the interest from this fund of $2.3 billion dollars that comes in large part from mining and timber sales, is currently 2 ½% to 4 ½ %. How would this impact Lake Superior School district? It would allow additional revenue annually from approximately $68/pupil to $95/pupil, and this would bring an additional of $48,000 per year. This costs taxpayers nothing and brings a 40% increase in the school trust fund dollars. These dollars do not come with any mandates, and it allows districts to use the dollars as needed. This is helpful as districts are facing more cuts in programs, educators, and support staff with the Governor’s proposed special education cuts by $250 million in the 2026 budget. If this bill is signed by the Governor, a question for all Minnesotans will appear on the 2026 election ballot as a constitutional amendment to allow a higher percent of the investment returns to go to the schools. This is a great bill offering a new revenue stream with no tax increases.
Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar House 3B
