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Amend the bill by inserting after the enacting clause and before section 1 the following:
PART A
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’Sec. .
Amend the bill by inserting after section 11 the following:
PART B
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Sec. B-1. Minimum state subsidy for school funding. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, Part 7, the minimum state subsidy for school funding beginning with the 2008-2009 school year is established pursuant to this section.
1. Except as provided in subsections 2 and 3, the minimum level of state aid to education funding on a per-pupil basis is 25% of the state average tuition.
2. If more than 33% but no more than 40% of the children in a municipality are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, the minimum level of state aid to education funding on a per-pupil basis for that municipality is 35% of the state average tuition.
3. If more than 40% of the children in a municipality are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, the minimum level of state aid to education funding on a per-pupil basis for that municipality is 40% of the state average tuition.
Sec. B-2. Implementing legislation. The Department of Education shall submit legislation implementing the provisions of section 1 to the First Regular Session of the 124th Legislature no later than December 5, 2008.’
Amend the bill by relettering or renumbering any nonconsecutive Part letter or section number to read consecutively.
 
SUMMARY
This amendment establishes a minimum state subsidy for school funding of 25% of the state average tuition. A municipality can qualify for a higher subsidy of 35% if between 33% and 40% of the children in that municipality qualify for free or reduced-price meals and a higher subsidy of 40% if more than 40% of the children in that municipality qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
The Department of Education is required to submit implementing legislation to the 124th Legislature.
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)