Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Murphy, Pawlenty offer differing early education plans

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

DFL candidate for governor Erin Murphy said Tuesday her plans for public education in Minnesota would build on Gov. Mark Dayton’s legacy, while Republican Tim Pawlenty said he would veer away from Dayton's approach if voters return him to the office he held for eight years.

Murphy announced her education agenda with Dayton by her side at a Head Start center in St. Paul. As governor, Murphy said she will expand preschool opportunities, work to close racial achievement gaps and beef up career preparation courses.

“Investing in education, from early learning and all the way through our K-12 and preparation for college education and technical education, is the way that we have built our future," Murphy said. "I’m going to continue that tradition.”

Murphy faces Lori Swanson and Tim Walz in the August 14 DFL primary. Swanson announced plans this week to appoint a “career and technical education czar” to address workforce needs. Walz, a former teacher, has also made education funding a top priority.

Meanwhile Pawlenty spent the day campaigning in Rochester on education and other issues.

During a press conference, Pawlenty outlined an approach to preschool that would differ from that of Dayton.

“If you have limited resources to dedicate to early childhood learning, let’s first prioritize that help to families and parents most in need, most at risk," he said. "That’s why we support using the bulk of that money or as much as possible for scholarships right to families.”

Pawlenty is running in the August 14 Republican primary against the GOP endorsed candidate Jeff Johnson.