A Constitutional Amendment to Support Minnesota Schools
Minnesotans will have an important decision before them on the November 2026 ballot. This decision could provide additional support for our schools without raising taxes.
This session, I was happy to co-author HF 3900, legislation that gives voters the opportunity to strengthen long-term school funding through Minnesota's Permanent School Fund.
The Permanent School Fund has supported public education for generations. Created from school trust lands that were set aside when Minnesota became a state, the fund receives revenue from land, timber, and mineral resources. Those dollars are invested, and a portion of the earnings is distributed each year to school districts and charter schools across Minnesota.
As the trust fund has grown, so has the opportunity to put more of its earnings to work for students. HF 3900 places a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would modernize how annual distributions are calculated. If approved by voters, the fund would distribute 4.5% of its average value over the previous three years, providing schools with more predictable and potentially larger annual payments while preserving the fund for future generations.
This proposal is about responsible stewardship. It allows Minnesota to make better use of an existing resource dedicated to education while protecting the long-term strength of the fund.
For rural schools, this opportunity is especially important. Schools in Greater Minnesota often face unique challenges, from declining enrollment to rising operational costs. Additional funding can help support classroom instruction, educational opportunities, and local programs that directly benefit students.
Most importantly, this amendment gives Minnesotans the final say. Voters and not legislators will decide whether to update the Constitution and strengthen this long-standing investment in education.
I was proud to support this effort because we should manage our resources wisely, protect them for future generations, and ensure they continue to benefit Minnesota students for years to come.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you would like more information about this proposed constitutional amendment.
Sincerely,
