Another marathon day in the Colorado Senate, this time debating a bill that for the first time in years overhauls how the state finances schools. The changes would be moot, however, unless voters in November pass a tax increase that could be as much as $1 billion.
Here’s how the press offices for the the majority Democrats and the minority Republicans portrayed what happened with Senate Bill 213:
SENATE DEMOCRATS
“School finance overhaul gets high marks”Senate Democrats, comprised of three teachers and a principal, gave the school finance overhaul high marks today.
The revamped formula has three goals: (1) improve the adequacy of our education system; (2) equitably distribute state funding; (3) achieve financial stability for K-12 education in Colorado.
“As it stands now, the school finance formula is outdated. It was crafted before any of us used Internet, email, or cell phones. We need a formula that’s aligned with our 21st century needs. Within the past five years, K-12 education suffered nearly $2.5 billion in cuts. Now is the time to reinvest and achieve greater adequacy, equity, and sustainability in our education system,” said Sen. Mike Johnston, a former principal and the bill’s sponsor.
SENATE REPUBLICANS
“Democrat Education Bill Moves Forward, Contingent on Voters Approving One Billion Dollar Tax Increase”Today, Senate Democrats passed Senate Bill 213 on a party line vote, asking voters to approve a one billion dollar tax increase without reforms that improve student achievement.
“Just one week after Senate Democrats approved a historic budget that increases government spending at three times the rate of inflation, the voters will be faced with a one billion dollar tax increase,” said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Mark Scheffel (R-Parker) and member of the Senate Education Committee.
“We need a student centered system that emphasizes improving student outcomes and instilling teacher accountability instead of perpetuating the present system that merely asks for more money without solving the problem.”