Stumbo wants Kentucky Education Reform Act studied

This from Big Sandy News by way of KSBA:

PRESTONSBURG — State Rep. Greg Stumbo said Wednesday that he would ask that Kentucky's Education Reform Act be graded and hinted that he might seek higher office.

During a ceremony at Floyd County schools central office, Stumbo and state Sen. Johnny Ray Turner, D-Drift, were given plaques of appreciation for funding secured for the district during this year's legislative session.Floyd County schools will receive $400,000 from coal severance funds in the next two years, which can be used for academic and athletic activities.

During his remarks to school officials, Stumbo said he intends to ask Gov Steve Beshear to appoint a state task force to look at the education reform act, which will be 20 years old next year.

"In the education reform act in 1989, we looked at education from top to bottom to give equity and education to every child," Stumbo said. "I'm going to ask the governor to do the same thing….Let's give KERA a grade. It's not a perfect program…Let's give it the look it deserves. I think we'll find, by and large, that rural districts like ours have benefited. "Let's take a look at the shortfalls of KERA," Stumbo said. "I think we'll find the legislature did not live up to its obligation to fund KERA."

After receiving his plaque from the district, Stumbo said he now has a "small" office in Frankfort but added that maybe he will have a "bigger room later on."Stumbo's statement prompted long-time Floyd County educator Pete Grigsby Jr. to shout, "Governor?" and the lawmaker only grinned but did not elaborate on his comments...

...Stumbo also said in his remarks to the group that Kentucky's tax system is "antiquated" and that companies receiving tax breaks 20 years ago are still getting them."They might have needed them then, but they don't need them now after being in business for 20 years," Stumbo said. "We need to look at our revenue streams. I'm not for raising people's taxes. Taxes should be two things: understandable and fair."

The representative said that it wasn't fair that some farmers in the state receive tax breaks from the state when "coal miners don't."Floyd County superintendent Henry Webb thanked the lawmakers for their efforts and funds for the school system and that it will help the children and their parents during the current financial "tough times."Webb said he is already receiving calls throughout the district about projected "shortfalls in finances" and that the state monies should help ease some of those conditions...