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• Introduced by Rep. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D) on March 24, 2005, to prohibit the state from appropriating less money for public schools, colleges and universities than was appropriated in the previous year, plus 5 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. Current funding would be immediately adjusted by applying this retroactively to the Fiscal Year 2002-2003 budget levels. In addition, schools' payroll contributions to the MPSERS teacher pension fund would be capped at 12.99 percent (the current rate is 14.87 percent and rising), meaning state taxpayers would make up potential shortfalls. Also, the state per-pupil operations funding grants to local school districts could be no less than they would be if 90 percent of a district's eligible pupils attended its schools, even if more than 10 percent have departed for public schools of choice in another district.
  • Referred to the House Appropriations Committee on March 24, 2005.
  • Motion by Rep. Chris Ward (R) on June 22, 2005, to discharge the Committee on Appropriations from further consideration of the bill. It is unlikely, however, the Republican majority will take up the bill in its current form. There is speculation that it may be substituted with some other provision that does not include mandatory school funding increases. The motion passed by voice vote in the House on June 22, 2005.