Governor Walz Outlines $5.1 Billion Children and Family Budget Plan

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan outlined another portion of their 2022 supplemental budget Tuesday, January 25, as part of an early education center and elementary school tour in a Twin Cities suburb.

Intended to support children and families, initiatives in the comprehensive $5.1 billion proposal include improving childcare affordability and access to early learning opportunities and establishing Paid Family and Medical Leave as well as Sick and Safe Leave. The Walz administration also proposes increasing the per pupil education formula by two percent, expanding mental health services, enhancing food security and providing additional supports for teachers.

“The naysayers who will tell us we can’t do this, we cannot afford to not make this investment,” Governor Walz remarked. “We cannot afford, at this point in time, to not do the things that are being proposed here,” he concluded.

In a written statement, Senate Education Chair Roger Chamberlain responded to the Governor's proposal: "Last year Senate Republicans passed record funding for schools; a 2.5% increase this year, a 2% increase next year, and Minnesota schools received $3 billion from Congress. We also stopped additional mandates and worked to keep kids in classrooms. Throwing more money into schools without addressing literacy and allowing kids and educators to catch up is the wrong direction. We’ll focus on kids’ reading skills and prepare them for graduation through proven, successful programs and get them on the right track."