Efforts to Increase Education Funding Gain Momentum in Alaska and Washington

Despite continuing budget shortfalls and difficult economic times, efforts to increase education funding for public schools are emerging in Alaska and Washington. Members of state legislatures, concerned citizens, and education advocates are proposing increases to education spending for fiscal year 2005 and have recognized the need to continue to improve educational opportunities for students in these states.

According to the Anchorage Daily News, a legislative committee recently approved three proposed bills to increase the state's contribution to education funding for next year. Although bipartisan support exists for increasing educational resources, legislators are still debating the amount that should be committed to future funding.

The proposed legislation would increase total state spending by $18.9 million to $86 million. Per pupil costs would range from $4,263 to $4,600, in addition to future adjustments for inflation. One proposal also recommends additional 2% increases to provide sufficient funding for the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act.

In Washington, the League of Education Voters, a statewide grassroots advocacy organization that is "dedicated to making Washington's public schools the best in the nation," has proposed a one percent increase in the state's sales tax to generate approximately an additional $1 billion in revenue for public education and to ensure "dedicated" funding for education.

The League's efforts to place an initiative on the November 2004 ballot have gained strength from their relationship with both early childhood advocates and higher education advocates. They also have the support of the governor and teacher organizations. They will be holding statewide public meetings to provide specific information about the proposed Education Trust Fund.

The Education Trust Fund would provide support for a wide variety of public education needs across the state, such as: preschool programs, smaller class sizes, resources for schools (especially high schools), professional development, funding and additional scholarships for enrollment at public colleges and universities, and research programs. The League successfully supported an initiative in 2000, which mandated smaller class sizes and higher teacher salaries. However, the legislature has so far failed to provide adequate funding for these programs.

A recent editorial published on February 22, 2004 in the Seattle Times, recognized the efforts of the League and the proposed Education Trust Fund, writing:

"The grass-roots League of Education Voters offers a solution worth serious consideration … A high-quality education system is as good for business as it is for parents and students. A better-educated citizenry equals a more robust economy, a healthier democracy and higher quality of life for more people. We have raised the bar for schools and students. It's time to give them the necessary resources to succeed."

 

Prepared March 11, 2004