Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 05/03/2022

A bill focused on helping students improve their reading skills passed the Senate Tuesday, May 3. Sponsored by Education Chair Roger Chamberlain, R-Lino Lakes, the bill calls upon school boards to develop plans for ensuring that students reach 90 percent reading efficiency by third grade. It also appropriates $30 million for the training of teachers in the LETRS--Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling--program.

Much of the debate on the measure focused on educational funding efforts not included in the bill. DFL-sponsored amendments to increase appropriations for mental health services, English language courses, special education and per-pupil funding failed to gain majority support.

The Senate and House education bills will be sent to a conference committee, where members will be charged with resolving the differences.