Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB643

Introduced
4/8/13  
Introduced
4/8/13  
Refer
4/8/13  

Caption

Provides with respect to the payment of UAL and other retirement obligations from MFP to determine state-funded per pupil allocation for charter schools, course providers, and scholarship schools (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

Impact

By adjusting the parameters of how funding is allocated, HB643 is poised to create a shift in the financial dynamics of charter schools compared to traditional public schools. It establishes specific calculations for 'employer retirement costs', factoring in contributions to state retirement systems and health benefits for retirees. This change may provide charter schools with a clearer budgetary framework, potentially increasing their operational budgets but also raising questions about the sustainability of funding for public schools losing these allocations.

Summary

House Bill 643 addresses the funding structure for charter schools and educational course providers in Louisiana. The bill modifies existing laws to state that the state-funded per pupil allocation for these institutions will be calculated without including employer retirement costs. This strategy aims to ensure that charter schools receive a more precise and potentially increased per pupil allocation based on the regular state funding mechanisms while alleviating the burden of retirement costs from their total funding calculation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB643 appears mixed among legislators and community stakeholders. Proponents argue that the bill represents a vital improvement in the funding stability for charter schools, encouraging educational diversity and innovation. However, critics express concerns that removing retirement costs from the funding formula could undermine public school funding and exacerbate inequities in educational resource allocation, potentially leading to broader implications for public education financing in Louisiana.

Contention

The main points of contention in discussions about HB643 relate to the balance of funding between charter and traditional public schools. Critics argue that the bill may lead to a net loss of funding for traditional public schools, as charter schools may receive a larger share of state resources at the expense of public institutions. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the long-term implications of shifting financial burdens of retirement obligations away from charter schools and how this could affect the overall health of the state's educational budget and its commitment to fulfilling all educators' retirement needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB89

Provides relative to the payment of accrued liabilities of retirement systems and other retirement obligations from minimum foundation program funds allocated to charter schools (OR DECREASE FC LF EX)

LA HB976

Provides relative to the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, parent petitions for certain schools to be transferred to the RSD, charter school authorizers, and course providers (EN INCREASE LF EX See Note)

LA SB597

Provides relative to school choice, including the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, parent petitions to transfer certain schools to be RSD, charter school authorizers, and course providers. (gov sig) (EG INCREASE LF EX See Note)

LA HB661

Creates and provides for Type 3B charter schools and provides for charter school funding (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

LA SB147

Provides for charter schools to pay a proportionate share of the local school district's of Teachers' Retirement System UAL payment. (6/30/16) (OR INCREASE SG RV See Note)

LA SCR21

Provides for legislative approval of the MFP formula for the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year. (OR +$148,964,427 GF EX See Note)

LA HCR26

Provides for legislative approval of the MFP formula for the 2020-2021 school year (OR +$148,964,427 GF EX See Note)

LA SCR3

Provides for legislative approval of the MFP formula for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year. (EN +$145,214,142 GF EX See Note)

LA SCR2

Provides for legislative approval of the MFP formula for the 2025-2026 school year. (7/1/25) (OR +$49,880,040 GF EX See Note)

LA HCR1

Provides for legislative approval of the MFP formula for the 2019-2020 school year (EG +$145,214,142 GF EX See Note)

Similar Bills

CA AB219

Property taxes: revenue allocations.

CA AB3179

Education finance: school district finances: Educational Employment Relations Act.

AZ HB2173

County aid; school districts; revisions

CA AB961

Education finance: school districts in fiscal distress: remedial actions.

CA AB2651

School finance: necessary small schools.

CA AB1452

State mandates: claims.

CA AB961

State mandates: claims.

CA AB1013

State mandates: claims.