Given the increase in funding, the May Revision eliminates the $2.3 billion supplemental payment proposed in January. While two-thirds of the deferrals established in the 2020 budget will be fully paid off, a $2.6 billion deferral will remain in the June apportionment. With billions in additional revenues available, CSBA is advocating to prioritize retiring all deferrals in the current year.
The proposed Proposition 98 rebenching addresses a main fiscal concern raised by CSBA; as negotiations continue, CSBA will advocate for funding to address facilities impacts, transportation costs and recruitment and retention of teachers to meet increased demand.
An additional $2 billion in federal funds and $623 million one-time Proposition 98 General fund will support interventions addressing COVID-19’s impact on learning, including intensive tutoring. These funds build on the $4.6 billion allocated in Assembly Bill 86, the “Safe Schools for All Plan.”
$3 billion in grants over three years will support LEAs in converting school campuses into community schools. An ongoing $1.1 billion increase to the LCFF concentration grant will fund increased staff providing direct services on campus; grantees will be required to detail how they will use funds in their Local Control and Accountability Plan.
The May Revision also includes $4 billion over four years to support behavioral health in Californians ages 0-25. Funds will support screenings, connecting people to services, and developing virtual, interactive tools.
With these pressures and others looming, the budget must address structural funding issues. The creation of new programs with one-time funding, worthy as they may be, cannot come at the expense of undermining schools’ long-term stability.