MN HF2477

Appropriates $4,125,000 for fiscal year 2014 and $6,125,000 for fiscal year 2015 for early childhood literacy programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 119A.50, subdivision 3.

Funds support AmeriCorps members serving in the Minnesota Reading Corps program established by ServeMinnesota, including training and teaching of early literacy skills to children ages three through grade 3.

Requires up to $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2015 to support priority and focus schools as defined by the Department of Education and to expand kindergarten programming.

Allows program evaluation under Minnesota Statutes, sections 124D.38, subdivision 2, and 124D.42, subdivision 6, with the goal of leveraging federal and private funding.

Permits any unused balance from the first year to carry forward to the second year.