{"id":4942,"date":"2020-01-29T20:59:58","date_gmt":"2020-01-29T20:59:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/2020\/01\/29\/analysis-how-did-education-fare-in-gov-beshears-first-budget\/"},"modified":"2022-09-27T19:49:25","modified_gmt":"2022-09-27T19:49:25","slug":"analysis-how-did-education-fare-in-gov-beshears-first-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/analysis-how-did-education-fare-in-gov-beshears-first-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Analysis: How did education fare in Gov. Beshear\u2019s first budget?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row overlap=&#8221;top&#8221; overlap_distance=&#8221;25px&#8221; padding_size=&#8221;m-padding&#8221;][vc_column][wyde_heading title_tag=&#8221;h3&#8243; style=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Analysis: How did education fare in Gov. Beshear\u2019s first budget?&#8221; subheading=&#8221;Investments still needed in early childhood, K-12 transportation funding, and teaching and learning&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;35px&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221;]We are pleased to see the commitment by the Governor to make strides that stem the erosion of education funding in the face of significant budget challenges.<\/p>\n<p>Based on $1.256 billion in additional resources over the biennium, major elements of the Governor\u2019s proposed budget include: investments to fully fund pensions, a $2,000 raise for school teachers, restoration of textbook funding, a 1% increase in the base SEEK per-pupil guarantee, increasing the base funding to colleges and universities, and increasing student financial aid continuing a commitment to allocate 100% of lottery proceeds to scholarships.<\/p>\n<p>These are all positive steps. However, we remain concerned by the lack of investment in other critical programs that support teaching a learning \u2013 from early childhood through postsecondary.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;20px&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row overlap=&#8221;top&#8221; overlap_distance=&#8221;100px&#8221; overlap_index=&#8221;50&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;true&#8221; vertical_align=&#8221;middle&#8221; padding_size=&#8221;m-padding&#8221; el_class=&#8221;row2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1558665176081{margin-top: 25px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column overlap_index=&#8221;50&#8243; padding_size=&#8221;m-padding&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInDown&#8221; animation_delay=&#8221;.5&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Early childhood<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221;]Achieving high-quality early learning opportunities for all children requires additional investment \u2013 investment we cannot fully see in the Governor\u2019s proposal.\u00a0 This is critical when almost 50% of our children enter kindergarten not ready to learn, and 50% of Kentucky families live in a childcare desert where quality childcare is either non-existent or unaffordable for working parents.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Public Preschool \u2013 The Governor indicated an additional $5 million each year to support preschool on disadvantaged areas, although we cannot see this total investment in the budget bill as filed. Our Big Bold Ask was for $24 million over the biennium to begin phasing in investment for eligibility up to 200% of the federal poverty level, higher per-child rates to support quality programs, and continue support for preschool\/childcare partnership grants to support families with full-day learning opportunities for kids.<\/li>\n<li>Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) \u2013 The Governor\u2019s proposal appears to provide no additional funds to support CCAP. Our Big Bold Ask was for $92 million over the biennium to begin phasing in investment for eligibility up to 200% of the federal poverty level, as well as higher reimbursement rates to support quality programs \u2013 for infants, toddlers, and preschool age children.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A critical concern is a $2 million cut in tobacco settlement dollars to the HANDS early home visiting program.\u00a0 HANDS provides critical supports to improve pregnancy and birth outcomes, promote<\/p>\n<p>healthy child development, build safe homes, and increase families\u2019 self-sufficiency.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=&#8221;9820&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221; el_class=&#8221;tableimage&#8221;][vc_empty_space]<div class=\"lvca-button-wrap\" style=\"clear: both; text-align:center;\"><a id=\"lvca-button6a1311184914e\" class= \"lvca-button  lvca-default\" data-color=#f94213 data-hover_color=#ff4513 href=\"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/GovernorEarlyChildhoodBudget.pdf\">Download this table as PDF<\/a><\/div>[vc_empty_space][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221;]<strong>Child Care Assistance Program Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The $10.6 million in General Fund revenue appropriated in the FY 2020 budget allows additional children to receive child care assistance by raising the eligibility requirements to include families with incomes of up to 160% of the federal poverty level. CCAP is largely funded by federal dollars not shown here, in addition to state General Fund and Tobacco Settlement dollars. State regulation 922 KAR 2:160 now establishes eligibility for CCAP at 160% of the federal poverty level.\u00a0 Funding for the Division of Child Care in the 2020-2022 Executive Budget released by the Office of the State Budget Director indicates flat funding over the biennium &#8211; $26.3 million in each year \u2013 which is the same level as the current year.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Preschool Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The 2020-2022 Executive Budget released by the Office of the State Budget Director includes this note \u201cAn additional $5 million each year from the General Fund is included to support preschool programs in disadvantaged areas. This funding is intended to create more opportunities for children in the most need to obtain the benefits of preschool programs. Moreover, the Executive Budget includes provisions that would direct any excess funds from the SEEK formula and the actual lottery funds greater than estimated to the preschool programs administered by the Department of Education.\u201d Future editions of the budget bill are likely to show the total being appropriated for preschool.<\/p>\n<p><strong>HANDS Program Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The $9 million appropriated for the HANDS program in the FY 2020 budget provided our state share of qualifying funds to participate in the federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV). As the budget process continues, it will be important to analyze how lowering that funding to $7 million will affect Kentucky\u2019s eligibility for federal MIECHV support and continue to offer services at a level necessary to support new families.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Early Childhood Scholarships Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Early childhood scholarships were an important component of Kentucky\u2019s early childhood development in years past. In more recent years, the scholarships have been left out of tobacco-funded early childhood investment plans.\u00a0 Limited funding for early childhood scholarships is currently being provided using by KHEAA using carry forward and restricted funds.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row overlap=&#8221;top&#8221; overlap_distance=&#8221;100px&#8221; overlap_index=&#8221;50&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;true&#8221; vertical_align=&#8221;middle&#8221; padding_size=&#8221;m-padding&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1558666565439{margin-top: 25px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column overlap=&#8221;left&#8221; overlap_distance=&#8221;200&#8243; overlap_index=&#8221;300&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInDown&#8221; animation_delay=&#8221;.5&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>K-12<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;20px&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221;]To deliver excellence for every Kentucky child in our public school system, Kentucky must restore investments after years of cuts and lost buying power.\u00a0 Gov. Behear stated as much and began this by providing some strategic investment \u2013 namely in the form a $2,000 raise for school teachers, teacher scholarships, and restoration of textbook funding. The base SEEK per-pupil guarantee was increased 1%, but this may largely be paid for by local dollars. Kentucky still needs deeper investment to support teaching and learning at the local level.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Full-Day Kindergarten \u2013 This was not in the Governor\u2019s proposal, except for language indicating excess lottery proceeds can be used to support. Our Big Bold Ask was for $42 million over the biennium to begin phasing in investment for full-day kindergarten \u2013 freeing local funds for teaching and learning improvements.<\/li>\n<li>Transportation \u2013 The Governor provide no new funds for school transportation, underfunding the transportation formula as has been the practice for a number of years. Our Big Bold Ask was for $48.6 million over the biennium to begin phasing in investment for transportation \u2013 freeing local funds for teaching and learning improvements.<\/li>\n<li>Teaching Excellence \u2013 Increasing teacher compensation is certainly a positive as teachers matter most to student learning in the classroom \u2013 and the Governor provides $164 million over the biennium to support the $2,000 increase. However, in addition to increases in base salary, Kentucky must invest in systematic state support for teacher preparation, professional development, and recruitment and retention.\u00a0 Our Big Bold Ask was for $17.5 million over the biennium to invest such supports like teacher mentorship, greater stipends for National Board Certified Teachers, and district\/university partnerships to innovate teacher preparations and professional learning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=&#8221;9823&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221; el_class=&#8221;tableimage&#8221;][vc_empty_space]<div class=\"lvca-button-wrap\" style=\"clear: both; text-align:center;\"><a id=\"lvca-button6a1311184918f\" class= \"lvca-button  lvca-default\" data-color=#f94213 data-hover_color=#ff4513 href=\"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/GovernorP12Budget.pdf\">Download this table as PDF<\/a><\/div>[vc_empty_space][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221;]<strong>Teacher Salary Increase Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The 2020-2022 Executive Budget released by the Office of the State Budget Director includes this note: \u201cThe Executive Budget includes General Fund in the amount of $85,266,700 in fiscal year 2021 and $79,298,000 in fiscal year 2022 to fund cost increases associated with $2,000 teacher salary increases.\u201d House Bill 352 calls explicitly for the $2,000 salary increases, but does not state a total cost for those increases. HB 352 also identifies $50,800,000 in unexpended SEEK funds appropriated in FY 2020 to be used to pay part of the FY 2021 costs of those salary increases.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Textbook Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>HB 352 identifies $17 million in unexpended SEEK funds appropriated in FY 2020 to be used to fund textbook spending of $8.5 million in FY 2021 and $8.5 million in FY 2021.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row overlap=&#8221;top&#8221; overlap_distance=&#8221;100px&#8221; overlap_index=&#8221;50&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;true&#8221; vertical_align=&#8221;middle&#8221; padding_size=&#8221;m-padding&#8221; el_class=&#8221;row2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1558665176081{margin-top: 25px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column overlap_index=&#8221;50&#8243; padding_size=&#8221;m-padding&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInDown&#8221; animation_delay=&#8221;.5&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>POSTSECONDARY<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221;]Kentucky\u2019s Council on Postsecondary Education has set an attainment goal of 60% by 2030, while economic projections suggest that the supply of workers with postsecondary education continues to fall short of the demand for an educated workforce. To reach our goals, we must break down barriers to college access, ensure higher education is affordable, and support student success.\u00a0 The Governor\u2019s proposal stems the cycle of funding reductions to our colleges and universities \u2013 33% since 2008 &#8211; and fully commits proceeds from the state lottery to student financial aid.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Colleges and Universities \u2013 The Governor proposes a 1% increase in base funding ($8.6 million per year) to restore a portion of prior cuts and provides $18.7 million each year to provide pension relief to regional campuses and KCTCS. Of significance, no funds will be allocated through the performance funding model adopted in 2017.\u00a0 While restoring base funding and stabilizing investments are critical, it is equally critical that Kentucky find a way to invest enough to make performance funding work as intended.\u00a0 Our Big Bold Ask was for $93 million over the biennium to begin phasing in investment to fully implement the performance funding model.<\/li>\n<li>Need-Based Financial Aid \u2013 With lottery receipts projected to rise and the promise to commit all lottery proceeds scholarships, this is a bright spot in the budget. The Governor proposes $22 million over the biennium for College Access Program grants for low-income students.\u00a0 Our Big Bold Ask was for $8.9 million over the biennium to begin phasing in investment in CAP grants.\u00a0 Not only will CAP grants see and increase, but also other critical financial aid programs such as KEES, KTG, Dual Credit, and Work Ready scholarships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Governor\u2019s budget proposal was a step forward but still sobering &#8211; highlighting the fact that <strong><u>new revenue<\/u><\/strong> is necessary to ensure Kentucky\u2019s investment in education provides the return we know it can.\u00a0 Without continued progress in education Kentucky\u2019s quality of life and economic growth will suffer.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve hit a plateau in education progress, declining in the last decade relative to national rankings on more indicators than we are showing progress.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>41<sup>st<\/sup> in preschool participation \u2013 down from 24<sup>th <\/sup><\/li>\n<li>17<sup>th<\/sup> in fourth grade reading \u2013 down from 8<sup>th<\/sup><\/li>\n<li>37<sup>th<\/sup> in eighth grade math \u2013 down from 34<sup>th<\/sup><\/li>\n<li>26<sup>th<\/sup> in teacher salaries \u2013 down from 22<sup>nd<\/sup><\/li>\n<li>30<sup>th<\/sup> in per-pupil finding for higher education \u2013 down from 12<sup>th<\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Moreover, only 52.7% of Kentucky\u2019s 3<sup>rd<\/sup> graders are proficient in reading and only 47.4% in mathematics.\u00a0 Only 64.8% \u00a0of Kentucky\u2019s high school graduates are transition ready.\u00a0 And, we lag the nation in postsecondary attainment.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=&#8221;9832&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221; el_class=&#8221;tableimage&#8221;][vc_empty_space]<div class=\"lvca-button-wrap\" style=\"clear: both; text-align:center;\"><a id=\"lvca-button6a131118491aa\" class= \"lvca-button  lvca-default\" data-color=#f94213 data-hover_color=#ff4513 href=\"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/GovernorPostSecBudgetUpdated.pdf\">Download this table as PDF<\/a><\/div>[vc_empty_space][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221;]<strong>Postsecondary Funding Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Funding for colleges and universities includes a 1% increase in base funding inclusive of performance-based funding allocations in 2020.\u00a0 Additional funds were included for regional universities and KCTCS to off-set increased pension obligations. No additional funds were provided to be allocated through the Performance Funding Model adopted in 2017.\u00a0 The Governor\u2019s proposed budget incudes line-items for \u201cmandated programs\u201d for each campus, but does not indicate what those programs are. The Governor\u2019s proposed budget includes General Fund in the amount of $4.1 million 2021 and $12.4 million in 2022 for debt service for capital projects requiring a 50% match from postsecondary institutions.\u00a0 The amounts shown above are net of debt service for capital projects.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=&#8221;9835&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221; el_class=&#8221;tableimage&#8221;][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=&#8221;9834&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221; el_class=&#8221;tableimage&#8221;][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221;]<strong>Lottery Revenue Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>100% of net lottery proceeds are being committed to student financial aid.\u00a0 The Consensus Forecasting Group\u2019s official estimates were $277 million in 2021 and $283 million in 2022.\u00a0 By statute, $3 million is deducted \u201coff the top\u201d for the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development and the Reading Diagnostic &amp; Intervention Fund.\u00a0 The full amount of net proceeds equaling $274 million in 2021 and $280 million in 2022 are appropriated to student financial as indicated above.<\/p>\n<p><strong>KEES Note<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>KEES funding above reflects the General Fund portion only from lottery receipts.\u00a0 Total funding is $123.8 million in 2021 and $126.1 million in 2022 when including restricted funds appropriation of $10 million in each year from unclaimed lottery prizes.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row overlap=&#8221;top&#8221; overlap_distance=&#8221;100px&#8221; overlap_index=&#8221;50&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;true&#8221; vertical_align=&#8221;middle&#8221; padding_size=&#8221;m-padding&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1558666565439{margin-top: 25px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column overlap=&#8221;left&#8221; overlap_distance=&#8221;200&#8243; overlap_index=&#8221;300&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;20px&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;strategy4text2&#8243; animation=&#8221;slideInRight&#8221;]It\u2019s time to build on our past success and increase our progress for the future. Combined with the ambitious goals, a commitment to adequate and equitable funding for education will ensure we meet those goals.<\/p>\n<p>We are not investing in a vacuum. Other states are increasing their investment from early childhood through postsecondary, recognizing their human capital as the primary economic engine of a state and the imperative to support a seamless web of educational opportunities necessary for success in school, career and life.<\/p>\n<p>We are encouraged that the Governor delivered a budget that stems a decade of funding reductions and begins to reinvest in some areas of education. We urge the General Assembly and the Governor to continue the hard decisions necessary to follow through on <strong><u>tax reform<\/u><\/strong> that results in revenue necessary to further increase our investment in Kentucky\u2019s people.<\/p>\n<p>For detailed analysis of the budget as it moves through the legislative process please visit the <a href=\"http:\/\/prichblog.blogspot.com\/\">Prichard Blog<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We are pleased to see the commitment by the Governor to make strides that stem the erosion of education funding in the face of significant budget challenges.<\/p>\n<p>Based on $1.256 billion in additional resources over the biennium, major elements of the Governor\u2019s proposed budget include: investments to fully fund pensions, a $2,000 raise for school teachers, restoration of textbook funding, a 1% increase in the base SEEK per-pupil guarantee, increasing the base funding to colleges and universities, and increasing student financial aid continuing a commitment to allocate 100% of lottery proceeds to scholarships.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":4943,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"passster_activate_protection":false,"passster_protect_child_pages":"","passster_protection_type":"password","passster_password":"","passster_activate_overwrite_defaults":"","passster_headline":"","passster_instruction":"","passster_placeholder":"","passster_button":"","passster_id":"","passster_activate_misc_settings":"","passster_redirect_url":"","passster_hide":"no","passster_area_shortcode":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[85],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4942","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-bold-leadership-for-kentuckys-future"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4942","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4942"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4942\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5901,"href":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4942\/revisions\/5901"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4943"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4942"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4942"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prichard-backup.com\/July\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4942"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}