Minnesota Voters to Decide School-Funding Increase

Minnesota voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to amend the state constitution to increase annual distributions from the Permanent School Fund to public and charter schools. The fund, established in 1858, generates revenue from trust lands and resources, including timber, mining and leases; the proposal would raise its annual payout from about 2.5% to 4.5% of its value. Supporters say the change would provide schools with more funding without increasing individual income or property taxes, while preserving the fund for future generations, and note the measure received bipartisan legislative support. If approved, it would take effect July 1, 2027; leaving the ballot question blank counts the same as a no vote.