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Senate outlines $208 million supplemental appropriations, funds 4% WPU increase and targeted education programs
Summary
Senator Jerry Stevenson presented House Bill 3, a supplemental appropriations package that includes $208 million in changes and specific education funding: a $68 million allocation for public education growth, a 4% increase in the weighted pupil unit (WPU), and targeted grants for programs including civics education and special education services.
Senator Jerry Stevenson presented House Bill 3 as a current-fiscal-year supplemental appropriations act that adds roughly $208 million in net appropriations and offsets. In floor remarks he outlined the education components of the package and emphasized funding targeted to both broad and programmatic needs.
Stevenson described the bill s "containing $208,000,000 including a reduction of $4,000,000 from the general fund," and listed major education allocations: $68,000,000 for public education growth to cover student increases; a 4% increase to the weighted pupil unit (WPU) intended largely for salaries; funding for pupil transportation, concurrent enrollment, and other tied programs; $8,000,000 ongoing for the Beverly Taylor Sorensen Art Learning Program; and a range of other ongoing appropriations for early-intervention and specialty programs.
On the WPU increase, Stevenson told the Senate the committee provided a 4% increase to help cover salaries and related costs, and that the committee also funded several "below-the-line" items (pupil transportation, at-risk students, concurrent enrollment) so those programs would not be cut as enrollment rose. He further outlined targeted investments including teacher licensing/background-check funding and support for special education intensive services.
Senators asked clarifying questions about program-specific allocations and how some funds would be distributed (for example, civics education field-trip funding and whether limited amounts cover statewide demand). Stevenson and other sponsors said some program details would be first-come, first-served and that staff would provide distribution particulars.
What happens next: After debate, sponsors moved under suspension of the rules to pass the supplemental appropriations bill. The Senate advanced the bill on the reading calendar; final administrative steps in the transcript showed votes and transmissions to the House for signature on related appropriations measures.
