Ward Supports New School Funding Plan

Minnesota legislative leaders announced a plan this week to increase school funding and shift property taxes to the state's general fund. Brainerd lawmaker John Ward said he supports the plan. The plan is being called the New Minnesota Miracle, a reference to a public education program in the 1970s that shifted most expenses from local property taxes to the state's general fund. House Education Finance Chair Mindy Greiling confirmed earlier this week that the new program would add $1.7-Billion to public school funding per year as well as shift $600-Million worth of property taxes to the state's general fund. Greiling said increases in Minnesota's income tax would cover the cost of the program.