Dayton Revises Budget to Fund Counselors, Pre-K Facilities

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton has revised his state budget proposal to increase the number school counselors in Minnesota and help schools pay for preschool facilities.

The governor announced Thursday morning that he was amending his supplemental budget to include a provision that allows school districts to pay back state loans by December.

Both the House and Senate included the same provision in their original budget proposals, but differ on how to spend the expected windfall of more than $50 million to the state.

Dayton's proposal would spend about $13 million to help school districts hire more counselors and support staff, like nurses and psychologists. Another $40 million would help pay for new preschool facilities.

House Republicans are aiming to improve teacher diversity and boost WiFi hotspots at rural schools.