Local schools benefit from tax increase

If Governor Jerry Brown has his way, then local schools could see an extra benefit from the state’s budget.

Brown’s 2013-14 budget proposes more money for schools with a higher percentage of English learners, foster children and low-income students. Every school district in Tulare County fits into that criteria.
Brown’s budget painted a rosey picture now that residents are paying more in sales tax and the more affluent Californian’s are paying more in income taxes. Still, while the governor declared the days of deficits are over, he failed to point out that the state still owes billions of dollars and that, in reality, means the state still faces a deficit. Any return to wild spending right now would be irresponsible.

However, we are encouraged to see that schools are getting more funds and that the local school districts may benefit even more.

The budget plan allocates $2.7 billion more for elementary and secondary education and community colleges for the 2013-2014 school year. However, $1.8 billion of it will be used to pay school districts what the state already owes them in late payments for previous years.

Where the local districts may benefit is Brown’s plan to add up to 35 percent more based on how many English learners, foster children and low-income students are in each district.

Brown’s proposal will have to get through the Legislature and the opposition of those districts which will not be eligible for the extra funding. It will not be an easy proposition to sell, but we are encouraged to see the governor is thinking about a good portion of the state that is not as well off as the Bay Area and Los Angeles area.

Also, Brown’s budget is based on some assumptions that may and may not hold true. If they hold true, then more funding for local schools may become a reality, but if not and the state continues to spend wildly, then more deficits may be in our future.