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State Rep. Ben Vapert tells Shakopee board about bipartisan wins, warns of special‑education cut
Summary
Representative Ben Vapert briefed the board on the recent tied House session, technology modernization funding, workforce/education changes allowing students to work on certain employer sites, and a potential $250 million special‑education funding cut if not addressed in the next budget cycle.
State Representative Ben Vapert told the Shakopee board the recent legislative session required bipartisan support in a tied House and nevertheless produced measures he described as "meaningful" for Shakopee, Scott County and the state. He highlighted passage of an independent Office of Inspector General and technology modernization funding for county health and human services systems, and said lawmakers addressed property tax and car‑tab relief in one‑time items.
Vapert singled out workforce and education modifications that will allow some high school students to work on‑site in employer settings for tasks such as CAD design rather than being excluded by prior classifications. He also warned of a looming budget pressure: "There's a $250,000,000 cut coming for special ed," he said, and added that unless the legislature acts in the next budget cycle districts will face significant required spending pressures. Vapert urged the board to consider funding flexibility, mandate relief, and local control as priorities for districts facing shifting needs between legislative cycles.
