Think there hasn't been enough talk of substantive issues — particularly education funding — in the national political brouhaha and statewide adversarial ads?

Well, there are some ongoing discussions about increased education funding here in Minnesota.

Hearings on the proposed legislation (HF4178) — an education finance reform bill that would increase pupil allowances as part of a $1.7 billion increase in aid to schools — will be held Tuesday in Woodbury, Thursday in Mankato, Oct. 2 in Marshall and Oct. 6  in Minneapolis.

Supporters say the bill also will cut property taxes but require some other statewide tax to make it work. Gov. Tim Pawlenty criticized the plan when it was announced in the spring for lacking enough school reform and having no specific funding source.

Rep. Mindy Greiling, DFL-Roseville, will chair the meetings of the House Education Committee's K-12 Finance Division.

Here's the schedule:

Tuesday, 7 p.m. — Woodbury Senior High Group Room; 2665 Woodlane Drive.

Thursday, 7 p.m. — Mankato East High School Auditorium; 2600 Hoffman Road.

Oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. — Marshall Middle School; 401 S. Saratoga; Marshall.

Oct. 6, 7 p.m. — Minneapolis South High School; 3131 19th Ave. S.