Senator Cortese’s Education Equalization Bill Giving CA School Districts Equal State Funding Moves to the Assembly After Senate Approval

SACRAMENTO – The California Senate today passed Senator Dave Cortese’s 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.

‘This means students in all school districts in California 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.

“Better funding formulas mean better outcomes for all students – because every child deserves a quality education, no matter their zip code. The Education Equalization Endowment Act is a step toward this goal,” said Dr. Lisa Andrew, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation.

“This bill is about fairness, opportunity, and giving every student the resources they need to succeed. No child should be at a disadvantage simply because of where they live,” said Senator Cortese.

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