Click here for a spreadsheet with GST information on bills with hearings this week.
The spreadsheet shows bill titles, links (in blue), hearing dates and comments on bills of GST interest.
The GST Summary includes information on all public hearings this week.
There are several bills that GST recommends you consider commenting on:
SB204
Oppose
relative to the responsibility of local school districts to provide meals to students during school hours, reimbursing schools for meals provided to students at no cost, and making an appropriation therefor.
H Ed Funding Apr 15 12:45 PM LOB 205
Increased cost. This bill creates an ongoing state-funded entitlement with uncertain long-term costs, requiring both state and local taxpayers to subsidize school meal programs beyond existing federal funding. It mandates local school districts to cover a portion of meal costs, which could increase property taxes, further straining taxpayer resources.
SB295
Support
(New Title) relative to education freedom accounts.
H Ed Funding Apr 15 1:45 PM LOB 205
This bill eliminates income thresholds for Education Freedom Accounts, optimizing public funds by introducing market-driven competition in education, incentivizing improved performance in public schools, and potentially reducing long-term local tax burdens. Investments in educational choice reduce inefficiencies and empower families, particularly during times of fiscal constraint.
HB292
Support
establishing a commission to study school administrative unit consolidation.
S Ed Apr 15 10:00 AM LOB 101
AN ACT establishing a commission to study school administrative unit consolidation. Potential cost and tax reduction. Support. Ditto HB 286.
SB83
Oppose
establishing an elderly, disabled, blind, and deaf property tax exemption reimbursement fund, authorizing video lottery terminals, renaming the lottery commission, and creating a voluntary statewide self-exclusion database.
H W&M Apr 15 11:00 AM LOB 202
This long, complex bill breaks the connection between lottery revenue and education with the creation of yet another dedicated fund and off-budget spending. It’s blatantly unconstitutional.
Click here for the Senate Remote Sign In Sheet to give your position on bills.
Click here for the House Remote Sign In Sheet to give your position on bills.
This must be done before 11:59 PM on the day of the hearing.
Click here go to the GST website for more information on how to comment on bills.
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Ray Chadwick, GST Board Member