Contact: Scott Holste, (573) 751-0290
Channing Ansley, (573) 751-0290
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 12, 2014
Following successful effort to defeat special interest tax breaks, Gov. Nixon visits North Kansas City Public Schools to discuss funding for public education
NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Following the successful effort to defeat a package of special interest tax breaks, Gov. Jay Nixon today visited North Kansas City High School to meet with students and discuss the importance of investing in public education.
Yesterday, the Governor announced the release of $143.6 million for higher education institutions and local school districts, including $1,760,086 for North Kansas City Public Schools. In addition, local schools will be spared an additional $93 million cut to their Proposition C sales tax revenues that would have resulted from these tax breaks becoming law.
“To make sure Missouri schools are preparing students for success in college and careers, we’re going to keep demanding higher test scores, higher graduation rates, tougher curricula and a commitment to excellence at every level,” Gov. Nixon said. “To reach these higher standards, our schools need resources. That’s why I’m pleased the General Assembly stood with us this week and made the right decision to invest in public education.”
In June, Gov. Nixon vetoed bills containing more than a dozen special tax carve-outs and loopholes passed by the legislature in the final hours of the legislative session. These provisions, which were not accounted for by the General Assembly in their budget, would have reduced state and local revenues by more than $776 million annually, including $93 million annually from dedicated Proposition C sales tax revenues for local schools.
Over the summer, Gov. Nixon assembled a broad coalition of Missourians across the state including local elected officials, educators, business leaders, farmers and first responders who came together and spoke out in opposition to these special tax breaks.
The funds released today by the Governor include $100,200,000 for the K-12 foundation formula and $43,396,533 in performance funding for the state’s public colleges and universities.
“The investments I’ve announced this week are possible because legislators of both parties came together and agreed that it’s time to invest in our schools,” Gov. Nixon said. “Now it’s up to leaders at both the local and state level to continue working toward fulfilling our obligation to fully fund our schools under the foundation formula.”
The Governor is currently reviewing the budget to determine whether there is sufficient revenue to release other restricted funds.
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Follow the Governor on Twitter @GovJayNixon
Scott Holste
Press Secretary for Missouri Governor Jay Nixon
573-751-0290
