Press Release: Senate Appropriations Committee Advances School Finance Act Amid Controversy
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The Senate Appropriations Committee took a pivotal step on Thursday regarding House Bill 1320, the 2025-26 School Finance Act, by introducing significant amendments that stirred debate among committee members. Initially expected to pass smoothly, the bill encountered turbulence once discussed in the Senate committee, echoing tensions over school funding reforms.
The discussion began with an amendment from co-sponsor Senator Jeff Bridges, allocating $7.6 million to the Building Excellent Schools Together (BEST) fund, utilizing previously established public school capital construction assistance. This adjustment was soon followed by Senator Chris Kolker’s proposal to create the "Kids Matter Fund," beginning in the 2026-27 fiscal year. This fund would channel all state revenue from a 0.75% tax on federal taxable income into per-pupil funding, aiming to enhance educational allocations.
Concerns were raised about potential budget implications, with questions about what existing budgets might have to be compromised to make room for these initiatives. Senator Judy Amabile emphasized the importance of ensuring the funding is sustainable, reflecting on past experiences with budget stabilization factors.
Despite dissent from Bridges, who argued for a lower tax rate and a preference for state education fund allocations, the committee voted in favor of the 0.75% proposal. The final votes showed a willingness to enact reforms designed to address educational funding disparities, with a proposed increase of $150 million.
Additionally, Senator Byron Pelton’s amendments aimed to alleviate concerns from rural school districts affected by holding policies established in the previous year’s Finance Act. He pushed for an additional 0.5% for 19 districts facing declining enrollments.
Overall, HB 1320 has garnered unanimous support from the Senate Appropriations Committee and is slated for a broader Senate debate soon, signaling a critical moment for educational finance in the state.
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