State Lawmakers Set to Spend More on Education
By: Jonathan Athens, KARK 4 News
Updated: October 15, 2012
State lawmakers Monday afternoon approved a measure that would allow them to spend tens of millions more on public education.
As it stands, Arkansas spends about $2 billion a year on public schools, or about $6,000 per student.
Now it's looking like they may have to spend a lot more because of inflation, but the bottom line here is education funding comes first.
On Monday, the State House and Senate Committees on Education went over a draft report on adequacy, something done every two years, where they take a close look at the books to make sure the state is spending enough money per pupil.
Even if local municipalities cannot raise enough tax revenues, the state is responsible for making sure all public school children get an adequate education.
Lawmakers passed a motion that will give them the flexibility to increase spending $56-72 million if they have to adjust for inflation.
"The main thing is to just maintain and not go backwards," says Senator Jim Jeffress. "I don't think there's anything new in it, mainly we're just trying to stay up with the Joneses and not regress, not go backwards on any of our funding."
As it stands, the Bureau of Legislative Research, which put together the report, projects the state will increase spending per pupil by just over 2 percent next year.
Lawmakers are slated to look at the general budget in November.
As it stands, Arkansas spends about $2 billion a year on public schools, or about $6,000 per student.
Now it's looking like they may have to spend a lot more because of inflation, but the bottom line here is education funding comes first.
On Monday, the State House and Senate Committees on Education went over a draft report on adequacy, something done every two years, where they take a close look at the books to make sure the state is spending enough money per pupil.
Even if local municipalities cannot raise enough tax revenues, the state is responsible for making sure all public school children get an adequate education.
Lawmakers passed a motion that will give them the flexibility to increase spending $56-72 million if they have to adjust for inflation.
"The main thing is to just maintain and not go backwards," says Senator Jim Jeffress. "I don't think there's anything new in it, mainly we're just trying to stay up with the Joneses and not regress, not go backwards on any of our funding."
As it stands, the Bureau of Legislative Research, which put together the report, projects the state will increase spending per pupil by just over 2 percent next year.
Lawmakers are slated to look at the general budget in November.
