State School Funding Overhaul Nears Final Lap

DENVER (AP) - The most ambitious change in a generation to how Colorado finances K-12 education is closer to approval. The overhaul won final approval in the House 37-28 Monday. It has already been approved by the Senate.

Lawmakers have differences to smooth out before sending the education overhaul to the governor. But the bill seems almost certain to become law.

The mammoth finance overhaul recalibrates how school districts receive state tax dollars to teach students. Schools would get more money for at-risk students and students learning English. The bill also sets up incentives to encourage local governments to enhance local school funding through mill levy hikes.

There's a big hurdle still before the school finance overhaul. It doesn't take effect unless voters this fall approve some $1 billion in higher income taxes.

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