In 1993, the Michigan Legislature eliminated the local property tax as the main public education funding source. This article explores the details of Michigan's policy process during late 1993 and early 1994, focusing on consequences. Recently, the school property tax was partially reinstated. The system is working, but vulnerable to cash…

Examines the conflict between efficiency and equity in public education finance. Considers district power equalization (DPE), a compromise approach that would require raising tax prices in wealthy districts and lowering them in poorer districts. Simulations for three states show that a "pure" DPE plan would reduce expenditure variances…

This paper attempts both to provide a way of looking at school finance in order to make wiser decisions about it and to discuss some alternative ways to finance the public schools of New York State. The New York school finance system is examined in terms of equity, efficiency, and responsiveness, as are some of the characteristics of the…

This paper attempts to examine for the State of New York the merits of a district power equalizing formula when it is compared to full State funding of a uniform expenditure level. The author argues against full State funding because he believes that the net effect of many independent decisions that affect small groups of children is preferable to…

This report examines factors that contribute to the differences in local education funding, per pupil revenue, and local resident ability to support present and future educational services in West Virginia. Based on a variety of data generated during 1989-92, the study indicates: (1) the differences in support for local education are attributed to…

The degree of public support for public higher education as measured in constant and current dollars in 1970 and 1980 is examined. Further analysis is made of the change from 1970 to 1980 according to the ratio of the percentage change in appropriations per student to the percentage change in income per student. Aggregate personal income by state…

This special bulletin examines the Texas Supreme Court's January 1995 final opinion in the Edgewood vs. Meno case, the latest in a series of rulings on the constitutionality of the Texas public school funding system. The first article summarizes the majority opinion, discusses the implications of the court's 5-4 ruling, and suggests that further…

This document begins by presenting a general summary of Iowa's current school finance law, which dates back to steps taken in 1967 by the 62nd General Assembly, and by providing a current state aid chronology, organized by year, general assembly number, session, bill, and major features. Subsequent sections provide descriptions of the following:…

This book explores three major fiscal problems facing elementary and secondary education in the United States: (1) school district difficulties in making ends meet, (2) disparities in expenditure levels and tax burdens among school districts, and (3) declining revenues and enrollments in nonpublic schools. The authors examine the underlying causes…