http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2012/12/17/attorney-general-seeks-rehearing-in-school-money-case Comments On: Attorney general seeks rehearing in school money case by Max Brantley en-us Copyright 2013 Arkansas Times. All rights reserved. This RSS file is offered to individuals, Arkansas Times readers, and non-commercial organizations only. Any commercial websites wishing to use this RSS file, please contact Arkansas Times. robert@arktimes.com (Arkansas Times Webmaster) Sun, 19 May 2013 00:00:01 -0500 Sun, 19 May 2013 14:15:00 -0500 Foundation http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss
The state constitution gives the state the ability through legislation to keep the excess to make up the funding shortages of poorer schools. The problem is that the legislation left out a few words and therefore the state must correct this so it will have that authority. The recent ruling does not prevent the state from making up for the shortfall using other means. The state just can't use the excess local property tax revenue until it passes legislation authorizing it.

The state has tried to argue that the amendment requiring a minimum of 25 mills is a state tax as a way to make the failure of passing legislation not an issue. If it were a state property tax there would be no need for a requirement to raise local property taxes. It would just set the rate at 25 mills statewide. Also, the amendment states the state can grant itself authority over the money by passing legislation. If it were meant to be a state property tax, no such provision would have been included.
Posted by Kurt Sims]]> Tue, 18 Dec 2012 03:20:09 -0600 Arkansas Times Posted by PVNasby]]> Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:26:27 -0600 Arkansas Times