Dayton To Lawmakers: Put More Money Into Early Education

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton wants more money for schools and early education in an emerging budget deal.

Top House and Senate lawmakers announced a tentative budget deal Friday that pumps an extra $400 million into K-12 schools. But that money likely wouldn't include enough to fund one of the governor's top priorities — statewide preschool.

Dayton quickly issued a counteroffer Friday to up that sum to $550 million, including enough to fund half-day preschool statewide.

House Speaker Kurt Daudt and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk say they'll leave it up to lawmakers how much money to pour into the state's per pupil formula.

Dayton's offer would carve out 1.5 percent annual increases in that formula for the next two years.