One Year Ago: Legislative Democrats Passed Historic Education Budget

One Year Ago: Legislative Democrats Passed Historic Education Budget

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 29, 2024

One Year Ago: Legislative Democrats Passed Historic Education Budget

This time last year, Democrats in the state legislature passed a historic education budget that increased per-pupil funding, aided in the hiring of more teachers, increased teacher pay, and covered the cost of school supplies so teachers don’t have to come out-of-pocket for their classroom needs. Each bill passed by Democrats was laser-focused on prioritizing the needs of both students and teachers in and out of the classroom.

Joint Statement From the Nevada Democratic Senate and Assembly Caucuses:

“Last year, Democrats passed a historic education budget that prioritized students, parents and teachers by increasing teacher pay and per-pupil funding while covering the costs of classroom supplies. Despite the desperate need to improve Nevada’s education system, every single legislative Republican voted against this historic education budget.”

Senate Bill 503, sponsored by Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop and the Senate Committee on Finance; ensures sufficient funding for K-12 public education for the 2023-2025 biennium. Historically including more than $2 billion in new funding as a direct result of the new pupil-centered funding plan passed by Democrats in 2019 which would see an increase of 30% in per pupil spending by the end of the next biennium.

“Legislative Democrats passed the largest public schools budget in state history andincreased funding by a record $2 billion,” said Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop.

“As a career educator, I know that in order for Nevada to provide a world class education to all our students, we need to ensure that dollars are getting into the classroom. This investment increases per-pupil spending and ensures we are directing more resources into our classrooms.”

Senate Bill 231, co-sponsored by members of both the Senate and Assembly including Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro and Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager set aside $250 million for pay raises for teachers and support staff, resulting in raises as high as 20%.

“Our teachers and education support professionals work hard every day to prepare our students for an increasingly complex world. They deserve our thanks and respect and it was an honor to pass legislation ensuring they received a much-deserved and long overdue pay raise,” said Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager.

“Every day, educators, support staff, and school police officers go to work across Nevada to ensure our students are nurtured, protected, and equipped with the knowledge to build a brighter future. As a product of the public school system, I firmly believe that all children deserve to receive a high-quality education,” said Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro. “I was proud to sponsor and pass SB231, which provided critical funding to enable pay raises of nearly 20 percent for our dedicated education professionals, yielding better results for Nevada families.”

Senate Bill 442, sponsored by Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop allowed Nevada schools to hire more teachers by enacting the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact.

“Across Nevada, students are taught by long-term substitutes and in overcrowded classrooms,” said Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop. “I introduced and passed Senate Bill 442 because as a career educator, I know that we need smaller classes with licensed, full-time teachers in them. By taking down artificial barriers, we are able to attract more qualified teachers for our kids to learn.”

Assembly Bill 274, sponsored by Assemblyman Duy Nguyen required the instruction of financial literacy in schools, including skills necessary to develop a personal financial plan.

“By requiring financial literacy before graduating from high school, we give young Nevadans the basic knowledge they need to navigate adulthood,” said Assemblyman Duy Nguyen. “ The foundation of financial security will benefit us throughout our lives, promoting economic stability and prosperity for individuals and communities across Nevada. AB274 is the first step in creating a more financially responsible generation.”

Senate Bill 339, sponsored by Senator Pat Spearman made provisions for the Department of Education to set aside funding for school supplies, and materials, for teachers and specialized instructional support personnel.

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