JOBZ, Q-Comp Money May Go To Public Schools

Two proposals from House Democrats would repeal the JOBZ program and cancel an expansion of the Q-Comp merit-pay for teachers program and use the money for public schools. Brainerd Lawmaker John Ward said money from those programs would add $51-per pupil for Minnesota public education. Ward said anything we can get for next year is appreciated. The money would be for one year only. Maple Grove Representative Kurt Zellers said JOBZ is a pet project of the Governor's and repealing the program that offers tax breaks to businesses who expand in economically distressed areas would not be popular. The bill says public schools could spend the money on anything they want to.