May 19, 2008
Two of Literacy Minnesota's three ABE platform planks were passed by the legislature (HF 1812), and have been accepted by the governor: 1) Decoupling the 3% annual increase solely from the previous year's growth, and instead looking at the 3% growth factor averaged over a ten-year period; and 2) GED test fees will be funded at $40 instead of $20. The change in supplemental service funding, raising the limit to 25% for any one provider, did not become law.
Literacy Minnesota's legislative advocacy was successful for a number of reasons:
- Adult Basic Education (ABE) staff and students have built a great deal of knowledge among legislators regarding the value of ABE services. ABE is seen as providing value and the field has fostered a reservoir of good will through our forums and legislative visits.
- Our lobbyists worked tirelessly throughout the session. They went above-and-beyond in their commitment to our cause. We owe them a debt of gratitude.
- Each of our members who took the time to call or write a legislator, invite one of them to an ABE graduation, or visit them in their office, helped immeasurably.
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