House debate centers on plan to tie school capital outlay fund to enrollment; sponsor says fund 'has not kept up'

Representative David Cox, sponsor of the Public Education Capital Outlay Act, told the House the state has not adjusted the capital outlay foundation for decades and proposed tying it to enrollment so it grows with student numbers and inflation.

"We have not kept up in that fund at all," Cox said, urging a structural change he said would protect the fund and ultimately increase capital outlay to support school construction and repairs.

Cox told members a fiscal estimate showed the fund could reach roughly $52 million under the proposal and confirmed the funding would come from the Uniform School Fund when Representative King asked, "would that $52,000,000 come out of the uniform school fund?" Cox answered, "Yes. That is where it comes from." Members pressed Cox about whether the bill would change the existing formula, whether smaller or declining districts would benefit, and about the effect of directing operational dollars toward capital needs.

Several lawmakers warned the plan effectively reallocates existing education dollars rather than creating new money. One member noted the change could shift funding away from classroom operations — such as teachers and textbooks — and toward buildings, and asked whether that was the intent. Cox and supporters said the bill aims to equalize capital support and restore funding the foundation had lost in prior budget adjustments.

Members also raised equity issues: some representatives said poorer, non-growing districts might never benefit despite paying into the same funds, while supporters argued the measure protects districts that struggle to afford school buildings.

The previous question to cut off debate was called and approved; Cox resumed closing remarks and the chamber proceeded toward final consideration.