Virginia Senate Bill SJR20

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Constitutional amendment; K-12 funding (first reference).

Impact

The most significant impact of SJR20 is on the financial structure governing the distribution of lottery revenues. By ensuring that a portion of surplus revenues is allocated specifically for operational costs of local school divisions, the amendment could enhance the funding stability for educational programs. Furthermore, the bill introduces a mechanism to restrict the use of these funds for capital construction and renovation costs, ensuring that the funding serves specific educational purposes rather than being diverted for other uses.

Summary

SJR20 proposes an amendment to the Virginia Constitution regarding the management of lottery proceeds, specifically focusing on their allocation to K-12 public education. The amendment seeks to establish a Lottery Proceeds Fund into which net revenues from any lottery conducted by the Commonwealth would be deposited. These funds would then be appropriated to counties, cities, towns, and school divisions for public education purposes, aiming to provide a steady stream of funding to support local educational initiatives.

Contention

While supporters of SJR20 argue that the amendment will provide essential resources for public education and allow local divisions to meet quality standards, critics may contend that it places excessive restrictions on how local governments can utilize lottery funds. Concerns may arise regarding the potential limitations it imposes on local flexibility in managing financial resources and whether the provisions adequately address the diverse needs of various school divisions across different regions.