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LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo has signed an authorization spending bill, a bill that will fund K-12 education in the state, and two bills meant to address school safety, all as the legislative session quickly draws to a close next week.
As the clock struck midnight on Thursday, Lombardo signed the K-12 Education Funding Bill, in addition to AB 330, which is his Safer and Supportive Schools Act, and AB 285, Assemblywoman Angie Taylor’s school safety legislation.
He also signed SB 504, which authorizes state agencies to spend federal funding and certain fees. Among its provisions is a nearly $11 billion budget for Medicaid, along with expanded eligibility.
“I’m honored to sign such historic education legislation this evening,” said Lombardo. “Since day one, my administration has been committed to delivering serious school safety reforms and an education budget that empowers Nevada schools, teachers, and students to succeed. I look forward to continuing to deliver on my administration’s top education priorities in the coming days.”
The governor cited school safety reforms as a top issue in his State of the State address and testified on the importance of AB 330 in its initial hearing.
AB 330 was passed out of the Nevada Assembly in April with sweeping bipartisan support. It was also supported by diverse groups across the state, including all 17 Nevada superintendents.
The historic budget allocates over $12 billion in funding for K-12 education over the next biennium. Total funding in FY24 is $6,061,963,572 and in FY25 $6,306,205,084. The governor’s office says this budget makes a historic investment in K-12 education, increasing per-pupil funding by $2,500 next year, a 25% increase.
The K-12 budget fully funds the weights of the Pupil-Centered Funding Plan, bolstering per pupil funding by $4,035 for English language learners, $3,137 for at-risk students, and $1,075 for gifted and talented students. According to Lombardo’s office, the budget also allocates an additional $23M in special education funding for the next biennium.
Progressive groups applauded the signing of the education budget, calling it an important step for students and teachers.
“By signing this budget into law, Governor Lombardo has chosen to prioritize our state’s students over political squabbles,” Annette Magnus, executive director of Battle Born Progress, said in a statement.
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