Dayton sheds light on education funding increases in budget

More details are spilling out from Gov. Mark Dayton about his upcoming budget proposal, and this time it's about new money for education programs.

Dayton told a conference of child advocacy groups Friday that he'll recommend about $372 million for expanded early education scholarships, Head Start programs and subsidized school breakfast. An aide said later that an increase in the basic per-pupil funding allowance will be part of that, too.

In addition, Dayton is set to propose around $160 million for social service programs that benefit struggling families, perhaps through extra child care assistance.

On top of $100 million Dayton has suggested for child-care tax credits, he has now disclosed his plans for the bulk of a projected $1 billion budget surplus.

His full two-year budget is due out Tuesday.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.