georgina Lambert | Oppose HB1636

Testimony on HB 1636: Study Ways to Raise Revenue for School Funding I oppose HB 1636 because its underpinnings reveal a lack of substantive commitment to genuinely addressing the urgent funding needs of our schools. While the bill focuses on studying potential revenue options, it does little more than provide a temporary, superficial solution to a deeply rooted issue. Allocating resources to a study rather than implementing actionable policies only perpetuates the ongoing struggle for adequate school funding and demonstrates a failure to prioritize the education of our children. Moreover, the estimated cost of up to $600,000 from the general fund for a study that lacks guaranteed outcomes raises significant concerns about fiscal responsibility. The Department of Revenue Administration has voiced its inability to complete the study due to staffing shortages, indicating that this initiative not only diverts funds but also task resources that could otherwise support educational priorities directly. Without a clear plan for oversight or a dedicated budget, this proposal risks becoming a costly endeavor that ultimately fails to deliver meaningful benefits for students and educators. Finally, any approach to addressing education funding must include an inclusive intersectional framework that considers the diverse needs of all students across our state. Marginalized communities often face the most significant educational disparities, and this bill fails to engage those voices in the conversation about funding solutions. Genuine reform should focus on sustainable, long-term strategies that prioritize equitable access to quality education, rather than relying on one-time funding schemes that neglect the foundational structures necessary for success. It is imperative that we elevate the conversation around education funding to reflect the commitment and investment our children deserve.