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Osseo lobbyist flags state forecast, board narrows 2026 legislative priorities
Summary
District lobbyist Valerie Delphin told the board the 2026 legislative session will focus on policy and bonding; board members agreed to keep a pared-down platform aimed at maintaining current funding levels, boosting school-safety and mental-health supports, and pursuing modest local revenue adjustments.
Valerie Delphin, the districts lobbyist, briefed the Osseo Public School District board on the states fiscal outlook and likely education issues for the 2026 legislative session. "Minnesota Management and Budget released their economic outlook...we had a $2,470,000 surplus for the current biennium at an almost $3,000,000,000 deficit for the next biennium," Delphin said, stressing uncertainty from federal funding and health-care cost pressures.
Delphin said the Feb. 17 session is not a full budget-setting year and will emphasize policy and bonding rather than major funding expansions. She listed likely K–12 focal points including school safety, special education, compensatory revenue and discussions about parental/employee leave.
Board members generally supported a conservative platform that emphasizes preserving existing formula funding and indexing for inflation. "Probably the most important thing is maintaining the current general fund formula to include the inflationary index," said a board member during discussion of the platform. The board also debated whether to revive a standing legislative committee or use existing community engagement channels to solicit broader public input before finalizing the platform.
The board asked staff to circulate the draft platform for final comment and scheduled the formal vote for the next regular meeting in January, ahead of the session. Staff said the districts lobbyist and cabinet will continue to refine language and outreach plans.
