Columbus – The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus today unveiled an education funding proposal that ensures urban and rural school districts are not shortchanged. The Student Success Index is one of the 242 budget amendments that Senate Democrats submitted to the Senate Finance Committee.
“Unlike a plan put forth by Senate Republicans, our proposal doesn’t leave anybody out,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro (D-Hubbard). “We are ensuring that all students, regardless of their circumstances, are receiving more resources for their education.”
Senate Republicans inserted an additional $115 million into the state budget which overwhelmingly benefits wealthy school districts. This “Robin Hood in reverse” proposal ignores Ohio’s most challenged districts.
The Student Success Index distributes the same $115 million funding increase on a fairer and broader basis by utilizing three widely recognized measurement tools: District Report Cards, the Education Challenge Factor and State Performance Index scores. The measurements reward success while also acknowledging the challenges that all districts face.
Like the House passed version of the budget, the Student Success Index ensures that no school district will see more than a 20 percent decrease in state funding from FY 2011 spending levels. In fact, every school district in Ohio will see additional funding beyond the House plan.
The Senate Democratic Caucus also submitted the following amendments to promote fairness and accountability in the state budget:
· Eliminate a requirement to privatize management of the Ohio Lottery.
· Restore funding for public transportation, alcohol and drug addiction services, mental health services, County Boards of Development Disabilities, the Ohio Fatherhood Commission, Ohio Consumers’ Counsel and Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs.
· Prohibit oil and gas drilling in state parks.
· Restore collective bargaining rights for home health care workers and Statehouse maintenance staff.
· Require government entities to follow the same layoff notice requirements as the private sector.
