Equalization to lower the taxpayer cost for voter-approved referendum is in play this session. The House has $25 million in the education budget, and the Senate has $15 million in the tax budget. With just a few days left in the legislative session, leadership is making important decisions now. It's critical that they hear from you that equalization must be part of the final budget agreement. Here are a few talking points.
The level of equalization should be at $25 million a year as supported in the House position
As outlined in the Governor's budget document, the gap between districts at the 5th and 95th percentiles is once again growing. The only sure way for this gap to be narrowed is for the lowest funded districts pass a voter-approved operating referendum, as painful as that may be in many communities. To accomplish this, a commitment to tax fairness for low property wealth school districts is crucial.
The provision should be carried in the tax bill. For too long, the responsibility for tax fairness as it relates to education levies has been pitted against revenue programs in the education-related committees. Equalization is tax policy and is best addressed as a tax issue.
Here is the district data run for the $25 million increase to equalization proposed in the House. Keep in mind that even if your district does benefit now, if you are planning to go to the voters for an operating referendum in the future, your district can benefit from the increased equalization levels.
The key leadership that you should contacted are as follows. Also include your local legislators.
Senator Roger Chamberlain and Rep. Paul Marquart - Co-chairs of the tax conference committee
Senator Carla Nelson and Rep. Jim Davnie - Co-chairs of the E-12 education conference committee
