Tuesday, June 7, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573)751-0290
Missouri School Children Now on Course for World Class Education
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt and General Assembly members this session crafted an education funding formula that focuses on students’ needs and provides the resources necessary to address those needs.
"This formula focuses on the needs of Missouri school children, not on the taxing capacity of school districts. It is the right approach and provides for a consistent growth in funding that will lead to the delivery of an additional $800 million for our classrooms," Blunt said. "Those included in the lawsuit want a massive tax increase instead of a responsible formula that ensures Missouri's school children get the education they deserve."
The governor and Legislature have made education the number one public policy priority once again. For next fiscal year they have secured a $158 million funding increase, without increasing taxes on Missouri's hard working families. Missouri legislators also drafted a formula, without the courts directing them to do so, that embraces the concepts accepted by the Kansas Courts.
Parents, teachers, school board members and other administrators across the state have expressed appreciation for Blunt's leadership in passing a formula that is equitable, that provides significant funding for Missouri schools, and that lives within the taxpayers’ means.