Purpose

This bill provides funding to support early education by financing the Early Learning Scholarships program. It appropriates money from the state's general fund to the Department that handles children, youth, and families for these scholarships, under the authority of Minnesota Statutes section 142D.25.

Main Provisions

• Section 1: Appropriation for Early Learning Scholarships.
• Funding amount: $96,565,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $96,565,000 in fiscal year 2027.
• Source and recipient: Funds are appropriated from the general fund to the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to administer the Early Learning Scholarships program (as described in Minnesota Statutes section 142D.25).
• Budget effect: The specified amounts are added to the program’s base funding, meaning the funds are intended to become part of ongoing, base-state funding for the program.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Increases the program’s funding by adding the specified amounts to its base budget for the two fiscal years noted (2026 and 2027), ensuring ongoing support beyond one-time appropriation.

Key Concepts and Terms

• Early Learning Scholarships
• General Fund
• Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families
• Minnesota Statutes § 142D.25
• Base funding
• Fiscal year 2026
• Fiscal year 2027

Relevant Terms early learning scholarships, early childhood education funding, state budget, base funding, Minnesota, appropriation, general fund, 142D.25, children youth and families, scholarships program