Session ended on Wednesday just a few weeks behind schedule. We will provide a full report on session outcomes in the coming weeks in our annual summary. We are also hosting a webinar on June 1st at 4 p.m. to review those outcomes and answer your questions. Please register to join us: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJclcuirpz0rEtTHpHTw6VnOqYqJ_iEGW5bq
Here are a few highlights:
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State General Aid was increased to over $215 million, an increase of $6.5 million (more than our original ask).
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260F worker retraining funds were increased by $1.75 million, which will allow us to focus more training on helping businesses respond to Manufacturing 4.0 changes.
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The Last Dollar Scholarship was increased by $10 million to $23 million.
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The property tax “backfill” state payments to local governments and schools will be phased out starting in 2023 over a period of five years.
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Changes were made that will impact policy related to free speech and diversity training on campus. We’ll be providing guidance in the coming months.
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Changes were made to election laws in two bills. Both originally included proposed changes to our bond elections that would have added cost and labor, but both were ultimately removed.
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Face mask mandates were banned at K-12 schools, cities, and counties (this amendment did NOT include Community Colleges).
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Private EMS training was authorized (we are working to understand this impact).
I am so proud of our collective work this year! We advocated with one voice and it made a difference. Thanks to everyone for your hard work and commitment to our shared goals of supporting students and improving communities.