Government Affairs Director
Ewald Consulting
MASA Lobbyist
As the interim winds down and campaign season heats up, here is a look at where things stand, what to expect when the Legislature convenes in January, and what superintendents can do now to prepare.
It’s an Election Year
Every seat in the Minnesota House and Senate is on the ballot this November, along with the governor and all constitutional offices. With 44 open legislative seats (27 in the House and 17 in the Senate) and competitive races across the metro and greater Minnesota, the Legislature’s makeup will shift significantly. The biggest outstanding question is which party will hold the majority in each chamber and in the governor’s office.
Whatever the outcome, districts should expect change in 2027. There will be new committee chairs and new caucus leadership, and a new governor will bring a new administration, new commissioners, and new agency staff.
Interim Working Groups/Commissions
As you know, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education and the Compensatory Revenue Task Force met over the past year to develop recommendations for the legislature to consider in the 2027 legislative session. MASA members had a seat at the table throughout the process to make your voice heard on these exceedingly difficult tasks, and as your lobbyist, I closely followed the work to best advocate for your needs.
The Blue Ribbon Commission has submitted its recommendations to the Legislature and the Compensatory Revenue Task Force is expected to do so soon.
Statewide Testing Assessment Task Force
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is convening a 28-member statewide task force to review Minnesota’s current standardized testing and assessment framework and identify possible recommendations for future reform. The task force includes superintendents, assessment directors, teachers, students, and parents from across the state. The task force is expected to begin its work in late October.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 Session
Budget Outlook
The February 2026 forecast projected a $377 million balance for the FY28-29 biennium, but Minnesota Management and Budget warned of a structural imbalance, with ongoing spending growing faster than ongoing revenue. While the monthly updates show receipts to date are $198 million above forecast, concern remains about the state budget outlook given the current economic climate. The November forecast, typically released in early December, will be the official number the governor and legislators use to build the next budget.
Setting the Stage
The 2027 session is a budget year, and a new governor and new legislative leaders will be writing that budget together. Several pressing K12 needs are already on the table:
- Special education cross-subsidy: $250 million for the biennium
- Summer-term unemployment insurance funding: $150 million for the biennium
- Compensatory revenue: $200 million for the biennium
Together, these needs total $600 million before any new investments are considered. With the state already facing a structural imbalance, finding room for these needs will be a challenge, and legislators will need to hear from districts, early and often, to keep these needs front and center.
Other Key Issues to Watch
Several other issues are also likely to surface this session. The Educator Group Insurance Program (EGIP) legislation is expected to return, with a Legislative Budget Office report on insurance costs and plan design due December 1. MASA continues to have concerns about EGIP’s impact on district flexibility, local reserves, and future costs.
We also expect proposals to set minimum salaries for teachers and hourly staff. While the current proposal assumes state funding, we are concerned about the added costs districts would face in adjusting other salaries to keep pace.
Other likely topics include technology issues such as screen time, cell phones, and artificial intelligence, along with literacy incentive aid. Paid Leave and Earned Safe and Sick Time (ESST) may be part of the conversation. Both gubernatorial candidates have expressed interest in changes to these programs, and changes appear likely if Republicans win the majority. The outlook is less certain under a DFL majority, but there is more room for changes than previously expected.
What Superintendents Can Do Now
With at least 44 new members joining the Legislature in January, building relationships with legislators, both new and returning, is more important than ever. Issues like special education funding, summer unemployment insurance, and screen time mandates will shape the decisions ahead, and legislators need to hear from you about how those decisions will affect your district. Here are ways to engage:
- Schedule individual meetings with legislators in your district. This provides an opportunity to share key concerns, highlight achievements, and explain needs and build personal connections with your legislators.
- Invite legislators to tour your district, visit a program, meet with your school board, or attend a special event so they can see firsthand how you serve students and families.
- Host a legislative event with your legislative delegation to highlight a school, discuss your priorities, and connect more intentionally than the session usually allows.
- Share district information by email and offer to be a resource on issues affecting your district.
No one can tell your district’s story better than you. Thank you for being part of this work!
