Video: Lt. Gov. Reeves Proposes $110 Million Boost to K-12 Education Funding

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JACKSON, Miss. (Press Release) — Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves today announced his support increasing funding for K-12 public schools by $110 million, which would bring total education funding to top $3.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2016.

His proposal would direct 86 percent of the expected growth in state revenues to schools. Officials expect the state to collect $127 million more in general funds in FY 2016 than in the current budget year, which ends June 30.

“I have made funding schools a priority by directing new revenue growth into outcome-based education programs,” Reeves said. “As Mississippi’s economy strengthens, we are on target to fund education at historic levels.”

Education funding has increased by $250 million in programs that directly impact classrooms over the past three years. The Legislature has increased support for teacher pay raises, reading coaches, prekindergarten, National Board Certified Teachers, teacher supply funds, school safety programs and vocational education.

“Our commitment to education exceeds the stated goal of Initiative 42, which purportedly would increase education spending by only 25 percent a year,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said.

Under Republican leadership, the Legislature has directed significant investment into education at all levels. In the current budget year, 73 percent of new budget growth went to schools. That compares to proponents of Initiative 42, who call for only a 25 percent growth in education funds.

“There’s too much talk about spending money to support the status quo and not enough about supporting students,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “I have a proven track record of investing in programs that will help children achieve academic success.”