Recent expansions of child tax, food assistance and health insurance programs have made American families' need for a robust social safety net highly evident, while researchers and policymakers continue to debate the best way to support families via the welfare state. How much do children -- and which children -- benefit from social spending?…

This report updates the January 1967 study of California junior college financing, considering particularly the possibility of the state assuming all operating costs of the system. Using data not available for the earlier study, it is also examines certain new areas. Section I contains the introduction, a summary, and 12 overall recommendations.…

Longitudinal data for 1973-81 for Illinois elementary school districts indicate that the higher the percentage of state aid to K-12 education, the greater the degree of wealth neutrality or equity in educational finance. Further longitudinal studies are needed, however, before the relationship can be considered proven. (RW)

This paper analyzes the impact of bill S-9300/A-11991 which amends the New York State Education Aid Formula for the 1976-1977 academic year. Under this amendment, New York City will receive a $26 million increase, and the state of New York will receive a $64 million increase in education aid. This report examines the bill, and reports on the…

Analyzes index values of educational costs in New York State and the implications for equalization aid. (WD)

Compares the use of a foundation program approach and a percentage or "power equalizing" approach to state school aid, and discusses typical formulas for calculating state aid under each approach. (JG)

This paper traces the changing concepts in school finance that have implemented equality of education in New York State. Some financing methods are reviewed such as the foundation program approach -- State and locally financed minimum dollar level; State financing of schools; and a voucher system with its variations. The paper also considers the…

An overview and analysis of state funding for community colleges is provided in this paper. After noting the inadequacy of state financial support for community colleges and the inconsistency of funding methods, the paper identifies states with large community college systems and states with few community college districts relative to their size.…

Two shortcomings in the implementation of guaranteed tax base or equalization formulas--limitations on state equalization aid and inaccurate portrayal of fiscal capacity--can maintain or increase financial disparities among school districts. Data on Michigan districts illustrate how inaccurate fiscal measurement expanded existing disparities…

The committee recommends reducing local property taxes by replacing such revenue with a personal income tax, a uniform statewide property tax at a rate of $1 per $100 of true value, less sales tax exemptions, increased corporation taxes, and a number of smaller revenue items. Key provision calls for basic funding of schools by the State. (Editor)

A uniform statewide property tax and total State responsibility for school financing could resolve some major inequities for tax payers and students in the present system of financial support. (RA)

In the 24 states providing special funding for small, rural, isolated schools, five factors are used to determine eligibility (pupil enrollment, number of teachers, population sparcity, isolation, local effort) and three means are used to direct funds (weighting for basic support, minimal support levels, size adjustment). (LC)

This paper examines the complex web of state basic and categorical aid programs in New York, with particular attention to the components of basic aid. State aid to elementary-secondary education in New York is distributed through a four-point basic-aid program and over 30 categorical programs. The first part of the paper describes the components…

A revised funding plan for the Illinois Community College System is presented as adopted by the Illinois Board of Higher Education for implementation in the fiscal year (FY) 1981 budget process. After outlining the characteristics of the community college system, the report provides a summary of the funding plan, pointing out the advantages and…

The higher education appropriations cycle in Michigan is described with focus on whether the present system is fair and equitable. Two general conclusions are drawn: (1) There is strong evidence that the present system of allocating state funds for the operation of higher education institutions is not equitable in terms of support for comparable…