The following are summaries of final action by legislatures on education-related matters.
KANSAS
Governor: Joan Finney (D)
FY 1994 state budget: $3.15 billion
FY 1994 K-12 budget: $1.59 billion
FY 1993 K-12 budget: $1.27 billion
Percent change K-12 budget: +25 percent
Highlights
- Funding increase stems from a major overhaul of the finance formula to centralize tax collection and spending at the state level.
- Responding to public criticism of the state board of education’s outcomes-based system, lawmakers passed a resolution supporting Quality Performance Accreditation, but asking the state board for minor revisions. A revised version of Q.P.A. was adopted.
MISSOURI
Governor: Mel Carnahan (D)
FY 1994 state budget: $10.7 billion
FY 1994 K-12 budget: $1.19 billion
FY 1993 K-12 budget: $1.19 billion
Percent change K-12 budget: No change
Highlights
- Legislature revamped state funding formula, which was declared unconstitutional by a state judge. The new package is expected to raise an additional $86 million in school revenues.
- Lawmakers also required the state board of education to establish new academic standards and assessments.
NEW JERSEY
Governor: James J. Florio (D)
FY 1994 state budget: $15.4 billion
FY 1994 K-12 budget: $4.9 billion
FY 1993 K-12 budget: $4.8 billion
Percent change K-12 budget: +2 percent
Highlights
- Budget compromise provided state-aid increases for poor and middle-income districts and held harmless wealthier districts.
- Legislature established a bipartisan commission to address long-term school-finance formula.
- Existing funding formula declared unconstitutional by a state judge.
- Legislature approved a $250 million loan program for school construction and renovation.
