(a)  The current system of education financing does not provide for absolute equity, does not account completely for individual student needs, and relies too heavily on the property tax, and the governor through executive order 92-9 and the twenty-first century commission through its final report as endorsed by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education has cited the need for a guaranteed student entitlement program, it is enacted that the commissioner of elementary and secondary education present to the general assembly a new state aid education formula referred to as the “guaranteed student entitlement program”, based on the definition of equity in school funding in subsection (b).

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Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 16-74-1

  • Entitlement: A Federal program or provision of law that requires payments to any person or unit of government that meets the eligibility criteria established by law. Entitlements constitute a binding obligation on the part of the Federal Government, and eligible recipients have legal recourse if the obligation is not fulfilled. Social Security and veterans' compensation and pensions are examples of entitlement programs.

(b)  “Equity” is defined as equal treatment of students and taxpayers. It means that a sufficient amount of money is allocated to enable all students to achieve learner outcomes, and tax burdens shall be based on ability to pay. It means that money spent for a child’s education shall not be a function of district wealth, and that all students shall have the same educational opportunities. The quality of education provided must be a function of statewide wealth.

History of Section.
P.L. 1993, ch. 239, § 1.