Lawmakers want Minnesota out of 'Race to Top' funding

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) A high school teacher and state representative wants Minnesota to drop out of the race for President Barack Obama's "Race to the Top" education grants.

Rep. Gene Pelowski (DFL-Winona) introduced the bill on Monday. He's got four Republican co-authors, including House Minority Leader Kurt Zellers of Maple Grove.

The "Race to the Top" program offers states a slice of $4.35 billion in federal grants, which are intended to spur states to try several education reform ideas.

Pelowski says he believes the mandates that come with the money will eventually cost the state millions of dollars more than it will get back.

He's not optimistic that his bill will become law, but he hopes it will make state officials look at the program more closely.

Minnesota can apply for the second round of grant funding in June.

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