School boards could renew existing property tax levies for operating expenses without asking voters again in a referendum, under a bill that’s moving forward in the Democrat-controlled Minnesota House. But Glencoe Republican Glenn Gruenhagen says voters should be able to weigh in. “By having these votes I think it puts pressure on the system to get rid of some of the things that are inefficient and to operate it more effectively,” Gruenhagen says. Golden Valley Democrat Mike Freiberg (FRY-berg) responds his bill doesn’t remove the opportunity for public involvement. “The school board is still required to have a written resolution authorizing the renewal, they have to hold a meeting and allow public testimony — so there is an opportunity for the public to comment,” Freiberg says.
The bill could have a tough time in the Republican-controlled Minnesota Senate.