Permanent School Fund on the ballot

When Minnesota voters go to the polls on or before Nov. 3 they will have an opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment to provide additional funding for public schools without raising taxes. 

Since the 1850s, the state has set aside proceeds from public lands such as timber sales, mining and land leases in the Permanent School Fund to help fund public schools. The money cannot be used for any other purpose. The amendment would modernize the way the funds are distributed, increasing the annual distribution percentage from about 2.5% to 4.5%, which would result in an increase of about $33 per student. For BHM, that means about $150,000 more annually.

To pass, an amendment to the state’s constitution must earn a majority of the vote. If a voter leaves that portion of the ballot blank, it counts as a “no” vote. 

The decision to place the constitutional amendment on the ballot received strong bipartisan support in both the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate.

For additional information, see https://www.mnpsfamendment.org.