Lawmakers debate 'Hancock' fix as committee seeks to protect two low-rate districts
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Summary
Lawmakers discussed a Murphy-proposed Hancock fix to ensure districts start at $2.75 per $100 to avoid sharp funding losses for a small number of school districts; members asked for district-level data and clearer communications.
Representative Murphy urged a targeted "Hancock fix" to avoid cutting two districts that the draft language would have reduced to about $2.29 per $100, a change Murphy characterized as potentially costing about "$6,000,000" for those districts. Murphy said the fix would set a $2.75 starting point and allow districts to roll back if assessments rose.
Why it matters: the Hancock provisions and levy-floor mechanics determine how local tax levies and state foundation funding interact. Small changes in baseline rates can have outsized budgetary effects for individual districts and their taxpayers.
Discussion and clarification: members asked whether the change would lower districts that are now above $2.75; speakers clarified that higher-rate districts would not be moved down to $2.75. Representative Keith and others said the data exist and staff will verify exactly which districts are under the floor. Representative Dolan said constituents had called expecting large losses and urged the committee to provide clear outreach: "Don't believe exactly what you're hearing now; look at the product."
No formal vote: the committee debated language and requested staff follow-up but took no formal action at the meeting. Members also noted the need for clear fiscal notes and, if needed, referral to legislative research to obtain numeric analysis before amendments are finalized.
The committee will reconvene next week with requested data and redrafted language.
