Education funding bill dies, gets revived, then dies again

Even though Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, knew her legislation to restore education funding cuts through a menu of taxes was a long shot in the current fiscal climate, it didn't stop her from lobbying for it.

Despite her efforts, the bill was defeated in committee Tuesday -- SB 705 died for a lack of motion -- the final day legislation can be considered in the chamber of its origin.

Her bill would raise $1.2 billion for schools; that's roughly the amount education advocates say it would take to fully fund schools to acceptable levels.

During testimony to the Senate Finance Committee, Locke called the current funding school funding levels "unacceptable."

Although it appeared dead -- and the bill ultimately perished -- it wasn't officially killed without some political theatrics.

Sen. Roscoe Reynolds, D-Henry, revived a discussion of the proposal at the close of the meeting

"I'm extremely concerned we are walking away from our responsiblity," on school funding, he said.

Sen. Tommy Norment, R-James City, responded by offering to make a motion that the bill pass if Reynolds agreed to second it.

When Reynolds responded in the affirmative, Norment made the motion.

But when the time came to vote, Norment opposed it and Reynolds supported it.

-- Julian Walker

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