HR 34: Importance of educational funding equity, the protection of local school funding, and the preservation of stable revenue sources for public education; recognize

House Resolution 34EX

By: Representatives Davis of the 87th, Drenner of the 85th, Mitchell of the 88th, Tran of the 80th, Scott of the 76th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the importance of educational funding equity, the protection of local school funding, and the preservation of stable revenue sources for public education; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the DeKalb County School District serves one of the largest and most diverse student populations in the State of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, public education is essential to the economic prosperity, workforce development, public safety, and quality of life of DeKalb County residents; and

WHEREAS, local property taxes have historically provided a stable, predictable, and reliable source of revenue for public education and school operations; and

WHEREAS, proposals have been advanced at the state level that could reduce, limit, replace, or eliminate property taxes as a source of funding for public education and local government services; and

H. R. 34EX

WHEREAS, replacing property tax revenues with sales tax revenues may expose school districts to increased financial uncertainty during economic downturns and periods of reduced consumer spending; and

WHEREAS, DeKalb County taxpayers contribute substantial revenues to the State of Georgia and support educational funding systems that benefit school districts throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, concerns have been raised regarding whether certain counties, including DeKalb County, function as donor counties within existing state funding structures and whether such counties receive an equitable return on taxpayer investment; and

WHEREAS, the DeKalb County School District serves students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, including economically disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, English language learners, refugee and immigrant students, and students requiring additional educational supports; and

WHEREAS, funding decisions made at the state level have significant consequences for educational opportunity, student achievement, transportation services, school safety, teacher retention, workforce development, and community stability.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize the importance of the stable, equitable, and sustainable funding of public education.

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.

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