Texas Senate Bill SB67

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to the basic allotment under the foundation school program and the extension of additional state aid for tax reduction provided to certain school districts.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of SB67 is the extension of additional state funding specifically for school districts that impose maintenance and operations taxes. This funding mechanism is structured such that the state will ensure that districts receive financial support to cover the shortfall from local revenues. The bill outlines provisions which stipulate that if certain conditions are met by the districts, they are entitled to substantial state aid, potentially influencing their operational budgets significantly over the applicable years.

Summary

SB67 aims to amend the Education Code of Texas regarding the basic allotment under the foundation school program and the provision of additional state aid for tax reduction to certain school districts. The bill proposes to increase the basic allotment entitlement per student from $4,765 to $5,140, thereby enhancing the financial resources available to school districts based on their student population. This change is set to apply to the average daily attendance of students in public educational institutions throughout the state, excluding certain special education programs.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it is essential for providing equitable funding across Texas school districts, critics may raise concerns related to the sustainability of this funding, particularly regarding budget constraints imposed by the state. The bill caps the amount of funding at $150 million for specific school years, which may restrict the potential benefits to some districts, leading to debates about fairness and equal access to resources. Additionally, the reliance on a compressed tax rate structure could lead to further discussions about the adequacy of local versus state-funded educational resources and the impacts on local taxation policies.