Walz proposes more than $5 billion aimed at children, families

Kindergarten teacher Kenzie Schroeder's classroom was half full when Gov. Tim Walz stopped by Tuesday to read a book about the Arctic. COVID-related absences had forced yet another return to digital learning.

The Inver Grove Heights school the DFL governor visited was a microcosm of struggles playing out across Minnesota. Weary teachers continue to endure pandemic change-ups; parents are juggling work with caring for kids in quarantine; child care costs are high, and there are too few providers.

"The earlier we start supporting kids, the better chance they have for success," said Hilltop Elementary School Principal Dave Lostetter, who has a 2-week-old baby at home. His family had struggled to find child care and got the last opening at a center that he said was convenient but expensive.

https://www.startribune.com/walz-proposes-more-than-5-billion-aimed-at-children-families/600139522/