Learn More About LEAF
Upcoming Events
Over the next several months, we will be holding regional forums to discuss our proposal. Our objective is to engage in dialog and seek input from as many interested parties as possible . members of the public, parents, teachers, students, local school boards, selectboards, and town clerks/treasurers.
Please check back often to find out when we will be holding a public forum in your area.
Presentation & Other Material
- Presentation - download the presentation from our 2/6/08 press conference
- Press Release - download a copy of our press release announcing LEAF
Potential Funding Sources
Our proposal provides a flexible model, and a number of variables can be adjusted to achieve the desired grant. For illustration purposes, we have proposed a grant of $8,500, which would require $158M in additional revenue. Our intent is to further evaluate the level at which the grant should be set at, which would adjust the level of additional revenues. There are a number of opportunities to raise additional funds - if that becomes necessary - starting with an honest look at the numerous general fund obligations that are shifted onto the Education Fund. Some options that we would like to explore include:
- Fully funding state PILOT programs
- Addressing the Medicaid cost shift
- Impact of Current Use program on Education Fund
- Human Services costs passed onto the Education Fund
- Evaluation of tax exempt property status
- Non-residential property tax rate
- Repeal of capital gains exclusion
- Personal income tax
- Sales tax, including an expansion of the sales tax base
- Consolidation of administration functions within the education system
As you can see, this is an expansive list. We want to engage in an open discussion and put all the options on the table.
Financial Detail
Click here to download a comprehensive Microsoft Excel workbook prepared by the Legislature's Joint Fiscal Office. This workbook includes the Education Fund balance sheet and detailed town by town financial details for the proposed plan.
News & Commentary
- WCAX Channel 3 News - 2/6/08 - New Education Funding Plan
- Burlington Free Press - 2/7/08 - New School Funding Plan Proposed
- Brattleboro Reformer - 2/7/08 - House GOP Launches School Tax Reform Plan
- Rutland Herald - 2/8/08 - Reinvention of State Property Tax System Proposed
- Manchester Journal - 2/8/08 - Hube: A New LEAF for School Spending