Republican lawmakers in St. Paul want to use part of the state budget surplus to pay for enhanced reading instruction.
In a program called "Reading Reset," house members and senators talked about paying for curriculum overhauls, training for teachers, and tutors for students in what's known as "scientific reading" instruction. Representative Peggy Bennet of Albert Lea is a retired teacher and says the state is in a crisis when it comes to student literacy.
"It's very similar to a natural disaster, a tornado or a fire, and it needs to be addressed immediately."
The lawmakers did not give a price tag for the specially-created revenue account they want to create to help pay for the program.