Assigned to ED & APPROP                                                                                                   FOR COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 


ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session

 

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2017

 

STEM funding; appropriation

Purpose

Removes, effective July 1, 2023, the specification that the state aid formula for community college science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and workforce programs is subject to appropriation. Appropriates $10,927,700 from the state General Fund (GF) in FY 2023 to specified community colleges for STEM and workforce programs.

Background

The State of Arizona must provide state aid to each community college district for STEM and workforce programs. The statutory STEM and workforce formula requires the state to pay to a community college district (CCD) an amount equal to the actual full-time equivalent students (FTSE) in the most recent fiscal year, multiplied by: 1) for a CCD with a FTSE of less than 5,000, $207 adjusted by the growth rate for common and high school districts; and 2) for a CCD with a FTSE of at least 5,000, $158 adjusted by the growth rate for common and high school districts. The FTSE is equal to the sum of the FTSE 45 days after classes begin in the fall semester and the FTSE 45 days after classes begin in the spring semester, divided by two (A.R.S.
§§ 15-1464 and 1466.01).

STEM and workforce program expenditures may include: 1) partnerships with businesses and educational institutions; 2) additional faculty for improved and expanded instruction and course offerings; 3) technology and equipment for advanced teaching; 4) student services such as assessment, advisement and counseling for job opportunities; and 5) the purchase, lease or lease-purchase of real property for buildings or facilities (A.R.S. § 15-1464).

H.B. 2017 appropriates a total of $10,927,700 from the state GF for Maricopa, Pima and Pinal community college STEM and workforce programs in FY 2023.

Provisions

1.   Removes, effective July 1, 2023, the specification that the state aid formula for community college STEM and workforce programs is subject to appropriation.

2.   Appropriates the following amounts from the state GF in FY 2023 for STEM and workforce programs:

a)   $8,600,000 to the Maricopa Community Colleges;

b)   $1,776,600 to the Pima Community Colleges; and

c)   $551,100 to the Pinal Community Colleges.

3.   Makes technical changes.

4.   Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a delayed effective date as noted.

House Action

ED                   2/1/22        DPA       10-0-0-0

3rd Read          2/24/22                     49-9-2

Prepared by Senate Research

March 11, 2022

LB/MS/slp