Committee backs HB 494 with amendment to hold funding level temporarily amid tight revenue forecast

House Bill 494, which makes an appropriation for the Math Learning Communities program, was heard and advanced by the Education Funding Committee with an amendment. Representative Ladd moved OTP on the bill; Representative Damon seconded. Representative Erf (or "Representative Erf/Bryce" in the transcript) offered Amendment 2025-0172h, which flat-funds the program for the second year of the biennium (reducing the proposal by $50,000 in the second year as formatted in the amendment) in recognition of a tight revenue outlook.

Amendment discussion: The amendment was described by its mover as a temporary measure to level funding at the current biennium while revenue projections are pending; proponents said Division 2 of Finance and Ways & Means will later have the opportunity to revisit funding. The bill sponsor emphasized that the statute does more than allocate dollars: it reforms policy, program structure, and professional development expectations for the Math Learning Communities program and that if revenue becomes available the program should be an early candidate for increased funding.

Voting: The committee adopted the amendment by a unanimous show of hands and then voted OTPA on HB 494 as amended by roll call; the clerk recorded 18 yes, 0 no. The committee placed HB 494 on the consent calendar and the gavel was returned after the vote.

Why it matters: The bill would change statutory policy for Math Learning Communities and provide funding; the amendment preserves the program at current funding pending clearer revenue numbers while keeping the policy changes moving through the process.

Outcome: Amendment adopted unanimous; OTPA as amended passed 18-0 and the bill placed on the consent calendar.