Supplementing and amending appropriations to State Board of Education - State Department of Education
Impact
The passage of HB 3167 would result in an increase in state appropriations directed towards educational programs and initiatives, particularly addressing the needs of a growing student population. This supplemental appropriation reflects the state's commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and capacity, which is crucial for maintaining quality education in the face of rising enrollment numbers. By providing these additional funds, the bill seeks to alleviate some of the fiscal pressures faced by schools and educational institutions across the state.
Summary
House Bill 3167 is a legislative act aimed at supplementing and amending appropriations for the State Board of Education within the West Virginia Department of Education. Introduced on January 31, 2023, the bill is designed to allocate additional public funds from the unappropriated surplus within the State Fund, General Revenue, specifically for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. The intent behind this bill is to ensure that financial resources are made available to support increased enrollment and other educational needs that may arise during the fiscal year.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 3167 is generally supportive, especially among educators and stakeholders in the education sector who recognize the need for increased funding to accommodate student growth. However, there may be concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of funding sources, especially if reliant on one-time surpluses. Thus, while the immediate response to the bill is positive, it raises questions about future funding strategies to ensure consistent support for education.
Contention
Notably, while the bill aims to enhance education funding, there could be points of contention regarding how surplus funds are allocated and whether the increase in appropriation is sufficient to meet actual needs. Critics may argue that without a comprehensive funding reform plan, such supplemental appropriations might only serve as temporary fixes rather than solutions that address broader systemic issues within the state's education financing.
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.