Governor’s Budget Puts Nonpublic School Students at Risk

Governor Walz’s proposed budget, released this January, targets Minnesota’s nonpublic school students by eliminating nonpublic pupil aid and transportation aid—cutting more than $100 million in aid over the biennium. This proposal defunds essential services such as busing, textbooks, nursing, and counseling that support students regardless of their school choice. 

Under Minnesota law (Statute 123B.40), the state has long made a commitment to providing these fundamental services to all students, irrespective of whether they attend public or nonpublic schools (or are homeschooled). The governor’s proposal abandons this commitment, disproportionately impacting families who rely on nonpublic education and access to critical resources. 

What’s at Stake? 

If enacted, these cuts would eliminate approximately $540 per student per year in instructional, nursing, and counseling aid, along with up to $540 per student in transportation aid. For families, this will likely mean increased tuition and financial strain, loss of essential services, and loss of safe and reliable transportation. 

Unless parishes and schools can fundraise hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover this deficit, without state assistance, they may be forced to raise tuition, making education less accessible to middle- and lower-income families. Mental health support, standardized testing, and guidance counseling could be significantly reduced or eliminated. Many families that rely on state-funded busing to get to school could be left scrambling for alternative—and often costly—options. 

These services are not extras perks—they are foundational. They help ensure that students in nonpublic schools receive equitable access to the resources they need to succeed. At a time when student mental health and educational support are more critical than ever, eliminating this funding is both short-sighted and harmful. 

A Budget Built on the Wrong Priorities 

Minnesota’s nonpublic schools educate tens of thousands of students and save the state nearly $500 million annually by reducing the burden on public schools. Yet, this budget penalizes families who make the choice to send their children to nonpublic schools. This is not just an education issue—it’s an equity issue. All students deserve access to transportation, textbooks, and counseling services, regardless of where they attend school. 

As the legislative session continues, there will be a February budget forecast, which will inform final budget decisions. Now is the time to act. The Catholic community, alongside other nonpublic school stakeholders, must make their voices heard to ensure these harmful cuts are rejected by the Legislature. 

Here’s What You Can Do 

Let your state legislators know that eliminating nonpublic pupil aid is unacceptable and must be opposed. 

Click here to contact your state legislators. 

Catholic school leaders, teachers, and parents should be proactively communicating with elected officials to highlight the importance of these funds. Minnesota Catholic Conference has developed a guide for school leaders on engaging with elected officials, which is a helpful tool to assist you in this process. 

Click here to access and share our informational handout with family, friends, and fellow parishioners.   

We are confident that if the Catholic community and other nonpublic school advocates speak up now, reason will prevail. Minnesota’s commitment to educational equity must not be abandoned. Let’s ensure that all students—regardless of where they attend school—continue to receive the services they need to thrive.