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Tim Pugmire
St. Paul, Minn.

Senate passes two-year public schools pay freeze

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The Minnesota Senate has passed legislation to mandate a two-year pay freeze for all public school employees.

Senators voted 36-29 Thursday with one Republican joining Democrats in opposition.

Sen. Dave Thompson, R-Lakeville, said the wage freeze would help stabilize school district budgets and prevent the lay offs of many teachers. Thompson said he views his bill as a one-time intervention that won't need to be repeated.

"In my world we would provide enough independence to the independent school districts and enough control with a different model of how we deliver education that this would not be necessary again," he said.

The bill also prohibits school employees from striking and repeals a Jan. 15 deadline for teacher contract settlements. Opponents argue the bill undermines local control.