LEGISLATIVE ALERT!

March 13th, 2008

CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING SURVIVES!

Today was the last day for 2nd committees to vote on House bills. And the House Finance Committee met in executive session this morning to vote up or down their subcommittee's decision (5 to 2) to kill the charter school funding bill--House Bill 1642.

They voted to NOT support the subcommittee's recommendation. [For a review of the subcommittee meeting, click here.] This means House Bill 1642 now goes to the full House of Representatives for a floor vote with a positive recommendation from both the House Education Committee AND the House Finance Committee.

What an overwhelming victory for the small, independent, public chartered schools. State funding policy for these schools was so changed from what was originally proposed that the situation was almost impossible. Some schools said they would be forced to close.

Representative Ken Weyler, a House Finance Committee member, worked tirelessly gathering facts and details to assure these public schools and the public students they serve, were well represented today. Weyler assured the House Finance Committee was aware of the recent vote by the State Board of Education, urging that these schools be funded due to their value within the state system of public schools.

For more information about other charter school bills: click here.

Susan Hollins