Legislative Spotlight
Education Funding
In this new section of our weekly roundup, we will begin to spotlight legislative trends during the 2020 state legislative sessions, discussing recent developments in education policy and commonalities between debates across state lines.
As you know, most state legislatures will reconvene for the state of the 2020 legislative session this month. As states ramp up legislative activity, budgeting and funding proposals are released by Governors’ Offices, outlining their legislative agenda for the year ahead. So far this year, we have seen some budget proposals that place a financial focus on education. Most of a state’s education funding comes from the state and local level, with federal funding acting as a supplement. This makes these proposals very important for the future of music education.
Maryland and Virginia have both released education funding proposals that increase funding to K-12 and raise teacher salaries. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis went public with his agenda to raise teacher salaries as well, and a bill to do so has already been introduced in the 2020 session. Idaho Governor Brad Little gave his State of the State address on Monday, where he called for increased education funding, and New MexicoGovernor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently delivered budget recommendations to the Legislature that seeks raises for teachers. So as the 2020 session begins, positive proposals on education funding are being considered, and NAfME will keep you updated on their progress throughout the year.
State News
A glance at main parts of Maryland’s education funding plan
1/3/2020- ‘Maryland lawmakers will be considering a plan to improve the state’s K-12 schools in their upcoming legislative session.’
Positive Picture for State Higher Ed Funding
1/6/2020- ‘All but three states reported year-over-year increases in funding for public higher education, annual survey of state financing finds.’
Kansas governor turns to pensions for budget breathing room
1/7/2020- ‘Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly proposed Monday that Kansas give itself more breathing room in its budget by slashing annual payments to its pension system for teachers and government workers, offering a new version of a plan that the Republican-controlled Legislature spiked last year.’
Louisiana state panel recommends major expansion of high school classes for college credit
1/6/2020- ‘While funding and other key hurdles remain, members of a state task force Monday said eligible Louisiana high school students should have access to at least four classes for college credit without charge.’
Kentucky to pay for the GED test for thousands of Kentuckians, Gov. Andy Beshear says
1/7/2020- ‘Kentucky will pay for thousands of GED tests to help Kentuckians’ further their education, state officials announced Tuesday morning.’
Cuomo to OK $75M Syracuse STEAM high school, training center (exclusive)
1/6/2020- ‘Gov. Andrew Cuomo will announce plans Wednesday to establish in Syracuse the state’s first regional high school and worker training center that focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, or STEAM.’
Research and Analysis
5 K-12 trends to watch in 2020
1/6/2020- ‘New approaches to assessment, concerns over security and privacy, and reimagining what defines classrooms and instruction are among factors that will drive education in the coming year.’
7 higher education trends to watch in 2020
1/1/2020- ‘College consolidation, partnerships with employers and the effects of deregulation are among the topics we’ll have our eye on this year.’
Policy Roundup is compiled by NAfME’s Matt Barusch.