Zarelli introduced bill to reform education funding

Sen. Joe Zarelli introduced a bill to reform the way the state funds education. In a press release, he said the bill would generate $900 million more a year despite the state’s financial predicament.

How? The bill would reduce all school district levy authority by 12 percent and increase the state’s property tax levy by the same amount. “Most districts have a 24 percent levy lid (meaning they can seek local funding equal to 24 percent of the combined state-federal funding they receive), so this functionally removes half of their levy authority. The state property tax levy would be increased by 88 cents in 2011, generating an estimated $828 million a year.”

Zarelli said the majority of taxpayers would have lower property taxes and school districts would get a more reliable funding source in return.

From the press release: “The leaders of the education community have called repeatedly for more state funding. This legislation says yes. It’s been questioned whether we can meet the constitutional mandate of ‘ample provision’ within our existing tax structure without cutting funding for public safety or the most vulnerable or the other genuine priorities of government. This bill says yes,” Zarelli said. “Property-poor districts are worried about losing their levy equalization money. This measure says they won’t lose a dime.”

“This legislation simply would do what so many have asked, and what the constitution requires: ensure Olympia is making ample provision for K-12 education. That it would do so in such an equitable, dependable fashion is a bonus.”

The bill isn’t scheduled for a hearing and there isn’t yet a bill summary. I’ll keep you posted on how it progresses.

Tags: education