School districts and education advocates in Jackson County, Missouri, are expressing concern over the potential impact of Missouri Constitutional Amendment 5 on school funding. The amendment, which aims to gradually eliminate the state’s income tax, will be put to a vote on August 4.

Concerns Over School Budgets

The Lee’s Summit, Kansas City Public Schools, and Independence school boards have approved resolutions expressing concern about Amendment 5 and its potential impact on school funding. KCPS’ statement refers to an ‘impending fiscal crisis’ and predicts that Amendment 5 will mean ‘a future loss of resources for public education, estimated at $1.4 billion statewide, with potentially significant consequences.’

Supporters of the amendment, including Missouri state Rep. Bishop Davidson, argue that the fear is misplaced and that the amendment will ultimately benefit education by reforming the state’s tax policies and encouraging economic growth.

Uncertainty Over Revenue Replacement

Opponents of the amendment argue that the lack of detail in the amendment’s language leaves too much uncertainty over how the lost revenue will be replaced. The Missouri Budget Project estimates that the state could lose $5 billion in general revenue, resulting in schools losing about $1.4 billion.

Amendment 5 proponents counter that the budget hole should be practically nonexistent, as lawmakers have access to data to accurately calibrate the income tax reduction. However, opponents remain skeptical, citing the potential for a significant impact on school funding.

Original reporting: The Beacon (Kansas City) — read the source article.