Municipal overburden hypothesizes a causal relationship between high levels of nonschool municipal expenditure (due to high population density, aged housing stock, and other demographic factors) and low school spending levels. This article disproves the hypothesis by estimating demand for education expenditures using a median voter model. Includes…

Proposition 13 (Jarvis-Gann Initiative) and its impact on higher education and students are analyzed in this report prepared by the National Student Association. The initiative, passed in California in 1978, fixed property taxes at one percent and allowed the level to rise by two percent annually. It is suggested, however, that the beneficiaries…

This guide is intended to provide guidance to state and local leaders in identifying the need for finance reform; understanding and evaluating the pros and cons of alternative financial approaches; and designing strategies to build long-lasting public support. Chapter 1 reviews the key forces pushing for reform and outlines principles to guide…