Go pushes Special Education Fund expansion

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed legislation to modernize the utilization of the Special Education Fund, seeking to allow local governments to use the money for teacher salaries and alternative learning programs.

Senate Bill 1785 proposes to amend the Local Government Code of 1991 to address what Go described as the “restrictive nature” of current laws.

The fund, which is generated from an additional 1 percent tax on real property, is currently limited to specific uses such as the construction of school buildings, facilities repair, and sports development.

In an explanatory note, Go argued that the narrow legal definition of the fund prevents it from addressing emerging educational needs. He cited that while the government introduced temporary flexibility during the Covid-19 pandemic to cover expenses like self-learning modules and digital storage, a permanent legislative fix is required.

“The Covid-19 pandemic underscored the urgent need to adapt and modernize our education system,” Go said. “Yet, the restrictive provisions of the current law hinder the SEF from being fully maximized to meet these challenges.”

The proposed measure would explicitly authorize local school boards to use the fund for the payment of salaries, allowances, and benefits for both teaching and non-teaching personnel. It would also cover competency training for educators and the construction of libraries.