Governor’s education funding proposal passes

Senators approved a bill May 25 that directs approximately $300 million per year in additional state funding to K-12 public schools.

Under LB583, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Rita Sanders at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, the state will pay public school districts $1,500 in foundation aid per student beginning with school fiscal year 2023-24.

The bill also requires the state Department of Education to reimburse each school district 80 percent of the total allowable excess costs for all special education programs and support services in the following school year.

Under the bill’s provisions, each school district must submit an annual report to the department that includes the amount by which it reduced its property tax request for the school fiscal year, if any, as well as other information required by the department.

LB583 passed on a vote of 44-0 and takes effect immediately.