The Minnesota House passed HF3900, authored by Representative Spencer Igo, on May 5 to strengthen long-term funding for schools without increasing taxes.
The bill aims to update the management and distribution of Minnesota’s permanent school fund. By changing how earnings from the fund are calculated and distributed, HF3900 is designed to provide more consistent and sustainable support for classrooms using existing resources rather than new tax revenue.
“This is a responsible way to invest in our schools,” said Rep. Igo. “We’re making better use of a resource that already exists to deliver more consistent funding for students and educators across Minnesota.”
Igo also pointed out the broad collaboration behind the legislation’s passage, mentioning discussions across party lines and with tribal communities, as well as contributions from the task force, committee chairs, the School Trust Lands Commission, and Senate colleagues. “This was a bipartisan effort focused on doing what’s right for our kids,” Igo said. “Minnesota is one of a small group of states across the nation with school trust lands, and this is a strong example of how we can responsibly use that history to benefit students all across the state.”
The bill includes a proposal for a constitutional amendment intended to ensure ongoing management of the fund balances current needs with long-term stability. According to Igo, while there is still work ahead, this measure represents an important step toward strengthening education funding in Minnesota.
HF3900 will now move forward for consideration in the Senate.
