House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

Posted:	April 25, 2018 01:40 PM
From:	Representative Todd Stephens and Rep. Martina A. White
To:	All House members
Subject:	Basic Education Funding

After a year of testimony from many stakeholders across the state and country, the bipartisan Basic Education Funding Commission reviewed the distribution of state Basic Education Funding (BEF) and unanimously recommended a new formula for distribution of education dollars. Although this new formula works to distribute money fairly and predictably among the 500 school districts according to the true cost drivers of educating children, many districts are being short-changed due to the “hold harmless” provision. This provision was implemented years ago to ensure all districts received a minimum of what they received in Basic Education Funding regardless of population changes. Today, it means the state is paying to educate children who no longer attend many of our schools forcing other districts to bear more of the financial burden locally. This legislation addresses that unfair situation. Our legislation incorporates the BEF Commission recommended formula and allocates all Basic Education Funding to school districts through the formula based on the most current student enrollment. We’ve attached a list detailing how each school district would be affected under our legislation. Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation.
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