State lawmakers have budgeted to provide more than $23 billion to schools in the current budget — a 10 percent bump over the prior budget. 

But many districts say they’re still feeling a strain. How come? What is being done to improve literacy, student nutrition, school safety and cultural competency?

MPR News host Brian Bakst talked with two leading senators on education issues: DFL Sen. Mary Kunesh, chair of the Senate Education Finance Committee, and Republican Sen. Zach Duckworth.

Later, there could be movement around streamlining the permitting process for business expansion projects and clean energy developments. Minnesota Chamber of Commerce president Doug Loon talks about permitting changes under discussion and why he wants them to happen. 

Guests:  

• Sen. Mary Kunesh, DFL-New Brighton, is the Chair of the Education Finance Committee.




• Sen. Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville.




• Doug Loon is president and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

What should Minnesota lawmakers' top priorities be in 2024?
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