Monday, November 7, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Calls on Major State Political Parties
to Endorse 65 Percent Initiative
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt today called on the Missouri Republican and Democrat Parties to endorse his initiative, "Our Students First," that would dedicate 65 percent of school districts funding to direct classroom instruction.
"This is an issue that should transcend politics," Blunt said. "This is a reasonable and achievable goal that will greatly benefit Missouri students and teachers. I call on both political parties to put their full support behind our effort to bring this important issue before a vote of the people next year."
Based on the report from the National Center for Education Statistics only 112 of Missouri’s 524 school districts are meeting the 65 percent benchmark. On average only 61 percent of taxpayer funding for education reaches Missouri classrooms. If enacted by voters, Blunt’s initiative would put an additional $272 million into Missouri classrooms without a tax increase.
"Our Students First" is another example of Blunt’s ongoing commitment to make education his number one budget and public policy priority. Under his leadership Missouri schools received a significant $158 million, 4.4 percent funding increase this year.
Blunt also led the successful effort to implement a new school funding formula that is based on student need rather than a district’s taxing capacity.
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