1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to education finance; appropriating money for the Minnesota GreenStep 
1.3 	Schools program.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.
 1.6 		Subdivision 1.Department of Education. The sums indicated in this section are 
1.7 	appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal years 
1.8 	designated.
1.9 		Subd. 2.Minnesota GreenStep Schools program. (a) For the Minnesota GreenStep 
1.10 	Schools program to challenge, educate, assist, and provide free and voluntary programs to 
1.11 	kindergarten through grade 12 school districts, charter schools, and private schools in efforts 
1.12 	to reduce environmental impacts and costs; improve the health of students, staff, and 
1.13 	community; and strengthen environmental education and STEM career opportunities:

1.14		$
	600,000
	.....
	2024
	
1.15		$
	600,000
	.....
	2025
	
1.16 	(b) Of the amount in paragraph (a), $400,000 each year is for a grant to the Minnesota 
1.17 	Design Center at the University of Minnesota to lead the Minnesota GreenStep Schools 
1.18 	program. The center's responsibilities must include continuous improvement through 
1.19 	research-based best practices; coordination of public, private, and nonprofit program 
1.20 	operation and ongoing development; coordination of technical support, evaluation, and 
1.21 	recognition for participating schools; and training schools and districts to join and advance 
1.22 	in the program.
2.1 	(c) Of the amount in paragraph (a), $200,000 each year is for the Department of 
2.2 	Education. The department's responsibilities must include administration of the program; 
2.3 	integration of the program with the department's existing work on academic standards, best 
2.4 	practices, and other programs; and training schools and districts to join and advance in the 
2.5 	program.
2.6 	(d) The base in fiscal year 2026 is $600,000.