VIDEO: Clausen Believes $15.7 Billion Education Bill Will Reduce Achievement Gap

District 57 Sen. Greg Clausen (DFL) says he has his constituents' backing when it comes to his support of a $15.7 billion education omnibus bill—which calls for roughly $356 million in new schools spending.

Clausen's own all-day kindergarten proposal accounts for roughly $130 million of that spending. The proposal, included in the larger omnibus package, does not mandate that school districts offer all-day kindergarten, but sets up funding formulas for those that wish to implement the initiative. Under the bill's provisions, a all-day kindergarten program must have at least 850 instruction hours in a school year.

The omnibus bill, passed in both the Minnesota Senate and House, is currently working its way through conference committees.

“Based upon the constituents that are contacting my office and talking with me, its something they want,” Clausen said in the video. “This is something that will really move our state ahead and close the achievement gap. I am very hopeful it will pass and become law.”

Click here for more information on the bill.