JFO says bill 9‑55 would redirect existing education funds, adds $75,000 for pre‑K study

Julia, a Joint Fiscal Office analyst, told the Ways & Means committee on April 15 that the fiscal note for bill 9‑55 lays out funding shifts and at least one explicit appropriation: “the bill would appropriate 75,000 from the general funds to JFO for the pre k study.”

Why it matters: Julia said the bill’s total fiscal impact is unclear because it depends on pending policy choices — including how school construction is funded, transportation rules, the definition of “small and sparse” schools, and how pre‑K is financed. Those decisions could reassign tax capacity and change Education Fund obligations.

Details: Julia said the bill amends how an Act 73 appropriation is used, dedicating those dollars to grant programs tied to CSEDS and city committees. She noted there remains “60,000 from the Ed Fund that was related to the BOCES bill” because only one BOCES was formed; that remaining sum would form part of the bill’s $90,000 package. On appraisal costs, Julia explained the state payment rule is the lesser of $66 per parcel or the commissioner’s estimate and said — verbatim — there were “342 hundred and 340,280 parcels,” which, multiplied by $66, she said, comes to roughly $22.5 million spread over six years.

Outstanding questions and follow‑up: Julia emphasized multiple technical and policy pieces remain to be resolved and offered to return with more detailed analysis when she has had time to prepare. Committee members asked for a follow‑up on the specific funding lines and technical issues; Julia said staff maintain a running list of technical items and policy choices they could brief the committee on later.

What’s next: The committee thanked JFO staff and shelved bill 9‑55 for the day; it will return to the committee bill on income taxes and continue hearings with additional expert testimony the following day.