The prolonged state budget impasse has left school districts without their expected state funding, forcing many to take out millions of dollars in loans or lines of credit to maintain operations, pay staff, and continue providing essential educational service. These loans come at the expense of taxpayers and students because, currently, not a dollar of those lending costs and fees will be reimbursed to the districts. These borrowing decisions have resulted in significant interest costs and fees, which ultimately divert taxpayer dollars away from classrooms, student support, and programming.
 
In a matter of fairness and civic responsibility, my legislation would require the Commonwealth to reimburse public school districts for interest payments and fees incurred due to the General Assembly’s failure to pass a timely budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Our schools and the students they educate should not be penalized for the legislature’s failure to meet its constitutional, legal, and moral obligation to pass a budget on time.
 
I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to support our school districts and protect taxpayer resources.