Senator Cortese’s Education Equalization Bill Giving CA School Districts Historic Equal State Funding Approved by the Assembly Education Committee

SACRAMENTO – The State Assembly Education Committee today passed Senator Dave Cortese’s (D-Silicon Valley) SB 743 that would reverse the effects of an antiquated 1978 school district funding formula that has created winners and losers in the public education system for the last 47 years.

The bill moves forward to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

“This would be a historic change in California because it means students in all school districts in the state will get the same resources and opportunities,” said Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley). “This bill is about equalization and reversing the consequences of past mistakes. The bill would establish an education endowment using general fund money to equalize per pupil spending in districts throughout California.”

Right now, some districts get significantly more funding per student because of state property tax formulas while others struggle with less. This bill makes sure that every student gets a fair chance to succeed regardless of where they reside.

This bill comes at a time when districts across California and the Bay Area face budget deficits ranging from $20 million to $113 million have turned to school closures and layoffs to fill budget gaps.

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