General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to MDE for the Mississippi Dyslexia Education Funding Grant Program.
Impact
The funding provided by SB2916 is expected to have a significant impact on dyslexia education across Mississippi, as it represents a commitment from the state government to prioritize and address the needs of students with dyslexia. By ensuring that adequate financial resources are available, the bill aims to improve access to specialized educational programs and training for teachers. This financial support will allow for the implementation of effective teaching strategies and tools, thereby enhancing literacy outcomes for students with dyslexia and potentially reducing the achievement gap between these students and their peers.
Summary
Senate Bill 2916 is an appropriations bill introduced in the Mississippi Legislature aimed at funding support for dyslexia education. Specifically, the bill allocates $5,000,000 from the State General Fund to the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) for the fiscal year 2026, which runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. This funding is intended to support the costs associated with the Mississippi Dyslexia Education Funding Grant Program, which was established in prior legislation. The grant program is designed to enhance educational resources and interventions for students diagnosed with dyslexia, ensuring that they receive appropriate educational support.
Contention
As with any appropriations bill, there may be discussions regarding the sufficiency of the allocated funds and the potential for extended financial support in future fiscal years. Notable points of contention could arise from advocacy groups that support increased funding for special education initiatives, urging for more comprehensive support systems, while others may question the use of state funds for specialized programs amid broader funding needs within the education sector. Furthermore, stakeholders may scrutinize the effectiveness of the Mississippi Dyslexia Education Funding Grant Program itself, pushing for accountability measures to ensure that the appropriated funds translate into measurable improvements in educational outcomes.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.