Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Lauds Budget’s Significant Education Funding Increases
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt today applauded the Missouri General Assembly for passing a budget that again significantly increases funding for Missouri classrooms and honors his strong commitment to education and our children’s future.
“Ensuring that our children receive a world class education and are prepared to be active participants in the global economy takes a strong commitment to education,” Blunt said. “Education is my highest priority and I thank the General Assembly for passing a budget that as I recommended again provides a significant funding increase for education and helps ensure our children receive a first class education.”
House Bill 2 provides among other things:
- $132.6 million increase to continue full funding of the foundation formula, bringing total new education funding under Gov. Blunt’s leadership to more than a half of a billion dollars
- $27.9 million increase for the School District Trust Fund
- $6 million for the High Need Program
- $3.6 million increase for the A+ Schools Program
- $2.9 million increase to expand eMINTS which will provide technology to 100 additional classrooms in 100 different schools
- $2 million increase for Parents as Teachers Program
- $1 million for afterschool programs expansion with emphasis on math and science, as well as health and wellness
- $510,571 increase for Character Education
- $500,000 increase for afterschool program expansion in areas of math and science
- $250,000 increase to assist students who take Advanced Placement tests in math and science
- $175,000 increase for scholarships that provide funding for Missouri students pursuing careers in elementary and secondary education
After all budget bills are passed and submitted to the governor, the governor’s office will conduct a full review of the state’s budget to ensure it remains balanced and accountable to taxpayers before taking any action on the bills.