Column: Matt Benda, My Point of View

In the popular TV show “MythBusters” a popular assumption is tested for accuracy — and more often than not — found to be untrue.

In the past few months, the DFL leadership in Freeborn County has presented a series of myths regarding state Rep. Rich Murray. As is often the case, these political attacks are untrue.

 

Myth No. 1: DFL claims Rep. Murray does not support increased education funding.

The facts are, however, that not only does Murray support increased funding for our local schools, he has done a much better job closing the funding disparity gap than his predecessor, Robin Brown, who happened to be a teacher.

When Murray originally ran for office in 2010, he campaigned against the funding disparity gap between Greater Minnesota schools and the metro schools. At that time, a typical Minneapolis classroom was receiving over $100,000 more in state funding than an Albert Lea classroom. Under Murray’s leadership, this funding disparity gap is now under $100,000 and closing.

Under the previous DFL representation for the Albert Lea area, the funding disparity gap between Albert Lea and the Minneapolis school district increased by over 31 percent in 2010 alone.  That is a whopper and indicative of the funding allegiances that permeate education funding in Minnesota. Those with the influence, get the results.

Unfortunately, the reality is that Greater Minnesota’s level of representation has diminished in recent years, emphasizing the need for strong leadership outside of the metro area.

In a typical smoke-and-mirrors maneuver, Albert Lea received increased funding of $7 per student for 2010, while Minneapolis received an eye-popping increase of $836 per student.

In other words, our local DFL teacher could claim that funding increased for 2010, without having to mention the important fact that her colleagues in Minneapolis received a larger increase of $829.

That equates to a .069 percent increase for Albert Lea and 6.6 percent increase for Minneapolis — yes, that is a two decimal-point difference. The headline could have read, “Albert Lea receives increased funding,” yet the facts show that we were falling farther behind.

The gap has also closed for smaller school districts under Murray’s leadership. Under DFL representation, the Alden-Conger school district disparity gap increased by 22.7 percent in 2010 and 2011. Under Rich Murray’s first two years in office, that gap has been decreased by over 8 percent.

Those are serious numbers and should end the myth that Murray has not delivered results for our local schools.

 

Myth 1: Untrue.

Rep. Rich Murray supports increased education funding and has closed the funding disparity gap that was increased under DFL leadership.

Under the DFL/teachers union philosophy, success is measured by how much new money is put into the total funding formula — regardless of results or which school districts receive the money. Naturally, their allegiances trend toward the larger population/membership area in the metropolitan area.

Our corner of southern Minnesota is better served by an independent advocate.

Murray is not beholden to special interest groups and is passionate about representing and fighting for our area. Our local and state economies are on fragile ground and we need our best team on the field. Murray has the background and experience needed to empower local success and deserves our thanks for a job well done.

 

Matt Benda is an Albert Lea attorney, community advocate and a member of the Freeborn County Republican Party.