McCleary Lawyer: ‘Not A Lot Of Confidence’ Final Budget Will Solve School Funding
Listen
Washington state Senate Republicans and House Democrats are at loggerheads over how to fund schools. Republicans want to replace local school levies with a new state property tax levy. Democrats want a new capital gains tax to generate more money for schools.
Tom Ahearne, the lawyer for the plaintiffs in the McCleary school funding case, said neither plan will create an amply funded K-12 system.
“I do not have a lot of confidence that whatever budget the legislature ends up in their compromise delivering to the governor and the governor signs is going to be enough,” Ahearne said. “I’m hoping I’m wrong.”
The state of Washington is already in contempt of court and accruing a $100,000-per-day fine for not complying with the state Supreme Court. The state has until September of 2018 to comply or face further sanctions.
Once the governor does sign a budget, the Court will have the final say on whether it does enough for public schools.
Related Stories:
WA leaders highlight progress on homelessness, worry about encampment cleanup funding
By: Jeanie Lindsay, Northwest News Network Part of a program to move people out of homeless encampments along major roads in Washington is facing an uncertain future. Officials say without… Continue Reading WA leaders highlight progress on homelessness, worry about encampment cleanup funding
Hometown med student raising awareness for colorectal cancer testing
March is colorectal cancer awareness month. One soon-to-be medical graduate at Washington State University says he’s hoping to help raise awareness about screenings in his hometown before he graduates. Continue Reading Hometown med student raising awareness for colorectal cancer testing
Service changes begin March 31 for Pierce Transit, lack of funding means no new routes
This weekend, big service changes will go into effect for Pierce County’s public transportation system.
While Pierce Transit makes service changes throughout the year, Rebecca Japhet, who handles communications for the public transit operator, said these service changes are the biggest the company has made in seven years.
Continue Reading Service changes begin March 31 for Pierce Transit, lack of funding means no new routes