Constitutional amendment to provide relative to the use of monies in the Louisiana Education Quality Support Fund. (2/3 CA13s1(A))
Impact
If enacted, the bill would modify existing constitutional provisions that currently prohibit using the Quality Support Fund to displace general fund appropriations for education. This means that in times of budget constraints, the state could redirect funds to ensure that educational institutions have the necessary resources to operate effectively. The change is designed to protect educational spending during downturns in budget availability, thereby potentially enhancing the stability of educational funding in Louisiana.
Summary
Senate Bill 462 proposes a constitutional amendment regarding the Louisiana Education Quality Support Fund. The bill allows for the use of funds from this support fund to cover instructional operating expenses in specific circumstances, such as when the total operating budget for higher education or elementary and secondary education is lower than the previous fiscal year's budget. This change aims to provide flexibility in funding by allowing the use of these dedicated education funds when necessary, potentially preventing budgetary shortfalls in educational institutions.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding SB 462 appears to be supportive among those who recognize the potential benefits of having flexibility in education funding. Advocates argue that the proposal addresses practical financial concerns faced by educational institutions, especially during lean budget years. However, concerns may also arise about the implications of modifying constitutional protections, which could lead to debates on the prioritization of educational funding versus other budgetary needs.
Contention
Some contention may arise from the potential for this bill to change how educational funding is managed in Louisiana. Critics may argue that the changes could lead to a reliance on the Quality Support Fund, thus undermining the stability of general fund appropriations for education in the long run. There might be fears that this shift could weaken the intended protections for education funding, which have historically supported stability and predictability in budget allocations.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the purposes for which monies from the Quality Education Support Fund (8(g)) may be used by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Constitutional amendment to repeal certain constitutionally dedicated and protected allocations and funds. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE GF RV See Note)
Constitutional amendment to authorize limited redirection and transfer of funds supporting appropriations and allocations from the state general fund and dedicated funds in certain circumstances. (2/3 CA13s1(A)) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Provides that the Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund shall be known as the "Kevin P. Reilly, Sr. Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund." (gov sig)
(Constitutional Amendment) Allows for the use of a portion of the Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund when there is a projected deficit (EG INCREASE SD EX See Note)
Provides relative to the purposes for which monies from the Quality Education Support Fund may be used by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
(Constitutional Amendment) Abolishes BESE, transfers board duties, functions, and responsibilities to the state superintendent and provides for the superintendent to be appointed by the governor (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Abolishes State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), transfers BESE duties, functions, and responsibilities to the state superintendent of education, and provides for election of the state superintendent
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the purposes for which monies from the Quality Education Support Fund (8(g)) may be used by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Provides relative to the purposes for which monies from the Quality Education Support Fund may be used by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to explain how the minimum foundation program is calculated to ensure funding of the unfunded accrued liability.