2026 Minnesota Amendment 1 is a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. If passed, it would increase funding for public schools in Minnesota by amending article XI of the Minnesota Constitution, allowing schools to use more of the permanent school fund annually. Currently, only 2.5% of the fund is used annually. The amendment would raise that amount to 4.5%. It would come into effect on July 1, 2027.
A majority of voters must vote 'yes' for the amendment to be passed. A blank vote is counted as a 'no'. The bill was chiefly authored by State Senator Mary Kunesh, a DFLer. In the Minnesota House of Representatives, it was authored by Republican Spencer Igo. In the House, the bill passed unanimously. The bill received opposition in the Minnesota Senate, passing 43-24. Republican Zach Duckworth said he would have liked to see the amendment have more safeguards, and believes its passage is financially unhealthy for the fund in the long term.
The amendment has received support from school boards and educators. Its critics say that since the fund is partially funded by the mining and logging industry, it could allow these industries to expand in the state to the detriment of the environment. Supporters argue that no land use changes are expected. The bill has formal support from the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
The text on the ballot reads: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund, which is a fund that supports school districts without raising individual income or property taxes, effective July 1, 2027?"
Polls Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error Yes No Undecided2026 State Fair PollAugust 26 – September 6, 2026960577.7%11.7%10.5%
Results
References
External Links https://voteyesmnstudents.org https://www.mnpsfamendment.org