Minnesota House Republicans Propose More Money for Education

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled House want to recruit a new, more diverse pool of teachers and fund early childhood learning and literacy programs.

The House Education Finance Committee on Tuesday began laying out their plans to boost education spending this year. The new money adds up to about $55 million more for education but say it won't come from a $900 million budget surplus.

It's among the first additional spending proposals to start coming together as lawmakers weigh the hefty surplus. Senate Democrats have yet to detail their plans to spend the extra money, but have labeled hiring more school counselors and a statewide preschool program as top priorities.

The House proposal includes over $14 million to hire new and diverse teachers in Minnesota.