At a press conference today, House Republicans announced House Bll 2770, which would lay out a K-12 budget spending plan for the remainder of the biennium.
The actual budget proposal is not available yet. House Ways & Means ranking Republican Gary Alexander said their proposal makes about $50 million in cuts to public schools funding from the current biennial budget, compared to the Governor's proposal, which cut $150 million from local effort assistance alone.
According to a press release by House Republicans, the proposal is expected to eliminate non-basic education programs, freeze the teacher salary step schedule, and reduce the bonus amount for National Board Certified Teachers. Local effort assistance is not cut.
The announcement and budget proposal will be in line with House Bill 2533, which would direct the legislature to enact an education budget first before other spending proposals.
HB 2533 was heard before the House Education budget committee earlier this week. It was supported by most education organizations, including WSSDA, WASA, AWSP, WEA, PTA, Stand for Children, and SPI Randy Dorn.
Currently, the legislature passes three separate budgets - operating, transportation, and capital. HB 2533 would require the legislature to adopt an education budget first.
Updates on the Legislature and state government from the Washington State School Directors' Association.
