SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5956

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 4, 1992

Brief Description:  Providing for school support in budget.

SPONSORS: Senators Thorsness, Bailey, Skratek, Oke, Pelz, Murray, A. Smith, Johnson, Anderson, Patterson, Sellar, Metcalf, Hayner, Craswell, L. Smith, Nelson, Bauer, Conner, Sutherland and Gaspard

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Mich'l Prentice Needham (786‑7439)

Hearing Dates: February 4, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Under the State Constitution, the paramount duty of the state is to make ample provision for the education of all children. The Legislature is responsible for providing a general and uniform system of public schools that provides educational opportunities for all children.

The 1991-93 biennial appropriation for K-12 education was 45.79 percent of the state budget.  Some argue that the state appropriation level is insufficient to fully fund the basic education needs of all children. 

SUMMARY:

Beginning in fiscal year 1992-93, and each fiscal year thereafter, the percentage of the general fund-state operating budget for K-12 education is increased by a minimum of 1 percent until the percentage of the budget for K-12 education is at or above 50 percent.

Once the percentage of the general fund-state budget is at or above 50 percent, the level for K-12 education shall not fall below 50 percent.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 31, 1992