The House and Senate also both passed the bill that will add a ballot question in the November election asking voters to approve a 3/8 percent increase to the sales tax.  The new revenue will be dedicated to natural resources and culture which includes clean water, sustainable clean drinking water, parks and trails, arts and cultural heritage funds.  You will see the question in November.

These first two actions by the legislature show their priorities and unfortunately education is not getting much attention.  Education committees are beginning to meet and hear bills.  However, it is commonly acknowledged that with the uncertain economy and the legislature's other priorities, even modest revenue increases for our schools to help them deal with inflation is unlikely. 

HF2978 which would increase the general education formula next year to a total of 3%, increase funding for special education services and require the state to pay for the services in the year they occur, plus this bill would change the language of the referendum ballot in cases of renewals. 

HF2980 modifies how a district can pay for its facilities by modifying schools facilities formulas, qualifying additional districts for alternative facilities revenue, increase deferred maintenance and increase the leased facilities levy. 

These bills align with the initial work of the School Finance Reform Task Force.  A revenue stream to pay for the bills has not been identified but I expect that these bills will begin the conversation of what needs to be done in school finance reform now and into the future.