The Omnibus Early Childhood through Grade 12 Education Finance bill appropriates $8.8 billion over the next two years for education - a $458 million increase. It includes a per pupil aid formula increase of 2.6 percent in the first year and 3 percent in the second. Other highlights: $565 million for early education including increases for screening and school readiness programs; increases in special funding for low income students, provides school districts that don't have voter approved excess levies another $415 per student; $23 million for secondary vocational education; and requires districts to reserve funds for gifted and talented programs. The bill does not change the Profile of Learning and repeals past legislation requiring districts to add three days to the school year.

Senator LeRoy Stumpf, DFL-Thief River Falls, authored Senate File 2359. The bill passed 46-18.

The Education Policy bill (SF 866) modifies state education policies for pre-kindergarten through 12 grade. Senator Sandra Pappas, DFL St. Paul, authored Senate File 866. It passed 60-5.