RESTORE SCHOOL AID FUND EARMARK

House Bill 4125 (H-2) as referred to second committee

Sponsor:  Rep. Scott VanSingel

1st Committee:  Tax Policy

2nd Committee:  Appropriations

Complete to 9-27-19

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4125 would amend the Income Tax Act to adjust the School Aid Fund (SAF) earmark from 0.954% to 1.012%.

2018 PA 588 reduced the SAF earmark, beginning December 1, 2018, to put more revenue in the state’s general fund, an increase that saw $69.0 million earmarked for the Renew Michigan Fund and distributions sent to the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF).

HB 4125 would return the SAF earmark, beginning October 1, 2019, to its level before 2018 PA 588 was enacted. The bill would retain the distributions for the MTF and keep the dollar amounts directed to the fund at $264.0 million for 2018-19 and $468.0 million for 2019-20, unless the minimum foundation allowance falls below a certain level as determined under the School Aid Act. The bill would also retain $69.0 million in funding for the Renew Michigan Fund.

MCL 206.51 and 206.51d

FISCAL IMPACT:

As written, the bill would increase the SAF earmark from about 22.4% of gross income tax revenue (income tax revenue before refunds are subtracted) to roughly 23.8% of gross income tax revenue. As a result, SAF revenue is expected to increase (and therefore reduce GF/GP revenue) by about $172 million in FY 2019-20 and $177 million in FY 2020-21.

POSITIONS:

The following organizations indicated support for the bill (9-18-19):

West Michigan Talent Triangle

Michigan Education Association

Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals

Oakland Schools

AFI Michigan

Michigan Association of School Boards

Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators

Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators

School Equity Caucus

Middle Cities Education Association

Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Jackson, Lenawee, and Monroe Intermediate School

     Districts

Wayne County RESA

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Nick Kelly

                                                                                               Fiscal Analysts:   Jim Stansell

                                                                                                                           Ben Gielczyk

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.