2005 Senate Bill 246

Mandate minimum annual school aid funding increase

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 23, 2005

Introduced by Sen. Bob Emerson (D-27)

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 Committee on Appropriations

June 21, 2005

Motion by Sen. Mark Schauer (D-19)

To discharge the committee from further consideration of the bill. This was defeated through parliamentary maneuvers, with Democrats supporting the discharge and Republicans opposing it. The actual roll call here is on a Hammerstrom motion to postpone the Schauer motion "for the day," (meaning until the majority decides to take it up again, if ever).

The motion passed 21 to 16 (details)