Happy Monday StaffWe were notified last week that one of Senator Kiffmeyers bills, SF 604- the school

disparity aid bill, is stuck in the Finance committee and in danger of not getting a
hearing. The chair of the Finance committee, Senator Cohen, is not willing to give it
a hearing. Senator Wiger, the chair of the Education committee, is willing to give the
disparity aid bill a hearing but it has to be passed on by Senator Cohen.
We need your help! Please contact Senator Cohen, richardc@senate.mn , phone
number 612-296-5931. Explain to Senator Cohen in a short note why this bill should
be referred to the Education Committee for a hearing and why you support it. Many
have expressed that they would like key things to say in their correspondence with
our legislators. These are only meant as food for thought to begin your creative
juices.

The SF 604, School Disparity Aid bill provides revenue to low general education
funded schools who also have low property wealth. Talking points include:

Recognizes the disparities that exist in funding across school districts, over
$7,000 range, narrows the funding gap
Provides adequate funding for the lowest funded schools who receive very
little money from specialized categorical programs
Recognizes that district with low property wealth are unable to pass
referendums to offset the lower state general education funding
Ultimately provides equal opportunities for students across all schools
Allows schools to address larger class sizes, target funds for struggling
learners, create opportunities for high school students to take advanced
classes, hire counselors, nurses and social workers and purchase technology

I have enclosed a few examples that you are welcome to use as a guide. Remember
the more personal the email the more impactful.
Thank you in advanced for your support and prompt correspondence with Senator
Cohen.
Jodi Vanderheiden and John Hertwig
Legislative Committee Representatives