Bill > S0259

This bill amends the Rhode Island foundation education-aid formula to include a student's Medicaid enrollment as an additional factor in calculating the student success factor, beginning with the fiscal year 2026 calculation. Currently, the formula determines education funding by calculating a core instruction amount and an additional amount to support high-need students, which is partially based on family income levels. The bill requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to incorporate Medicaid enrollment into their calculations for determining student need, similar to how they currently use supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) participation. By adding Medicaid enrollment as a metric, the bill aims to more comprehensively identify and support students from low-income households. The change will impact how education funding is distributed to school districts, potentially providing additional resources to schools with students enrolled in Medicaid. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and is part of broader efforts to refine the state's education funding formula to more accurately reflect student needs.

Budget and Finance

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