Minnesota educators ask for cut of budget surplus

(ABC 6 News) – Minnesota educators and parents are calling on lawmakers to use the state’s budget surplus to fend off school budget cuts.

The president of Education Minnesota asked republican representatives to stop "sitting on the nine-point-three billion dollar surplus."

Gage Elementary teacher Criselda Martinez says the money should go toward mental health resources, recruiting, and retaining a diverse workforce as well as helping families who struggle with distance learning.

"I know our students and families need more resources so they can thrive and succeed, and I know teachers like me need more support, so we can stay in the profession we love." Gage Elementary teacher Criselda Martinez said.

Teachers hope the money can counteract the budget cuts school districts around the state are facing.

At a time our public schools should be providing students with more support than ever, many districts are yet again cutting budgets and readying pink slips.

That isn’t right. The money to invest in our students IS there. #mnleg #edmnvotes #fundourfutures pic.twitter.com/f4otqSuCJ7

— Education Minnesota (@EducationMN) March 29, 2022