This bill addresses education funding through revisions of the existing formula, provides for additional revenue through cut backs and 0.5% sales tax, establishes a joint select committee on funding, requires reports, provides appropriations, and provides for a sunset date.

WAM ACTION: 1/31/17, bill continued to be worked.

WAM ACTION: 1/30/17, after 3 hours of testimony and beginning to work the bill, the bill was laid back for a date and time to be determined.  Three parts to this bill 1) revenue increases, 2) reductions, 3) creation of a select committee. Education officials are concerned over more reductions, focus on students, special education needs, local boards make better decisions, recalibration.  Education funding is a $400m per year issue, and school funds are near broke if not broke.  Need to use rainy day funds to support education.