We Have Soup. Or at least a recipe. Whether or not it's a recipe the Governor will not send back remains to be seen.

Rather than finish the education bill in conference committee, an amendment has been prepared that will be attached by the Senate to a House file and, after final passage of the bill--HF 2245--by the Senate, it will go to the House for final approval and then onto the Governor for either signature or veto.

Confusing enough for you?

The highlights of the bill (amendment) are:

• 2% increase in the general education basic formula for 2007-2008 school year. 0% increase beyond that.
• Full funding of special education formula for 2007-2008 school year and beyond. $180 million increase in 2007-2008 and 4.6% thereafter.
• Approximately $150 million in one-time money spread over the next two school years for technology purchases and deferred maintenance.
• 9-member PS Minnesota Task Force comprised of 8 legislators and a representative of the Commissioner of Education.
• No property tax relief.

I'm going to be here all day, as the Teacher Health Insurance pool is up on the House floor today along with a raft of appropriations bill. So check back often. Thank you.