Senator Jason Lewis Announces The Student Opportunity Act

A release from the office of State Senator Jason Lewis:

BOSTON – On Thursday, the Joint Committee on Education, chaired by Senator Jason Lewis and
Representative Alice Peisch, released the Student Opportunity Act. This legislation, an unprecedented $1.5 billion investment in Massachusetts public schools, will expand opportunities for all students, especially those facing educational disadvantages, and provide more resources to all of our communities.

The Student Opportunity Act significantly helps school districts that serve high percentages of low-income students. At the same time, school districts across the Commonwealth will benefit from updates to the existing funding formula, along with increased state investment in other vital education aid programs such as transportation, school buildings and special education.

These new investments are coupled with policy updates designed to monitor and measure progress, support effective approaches to closing opportunity gaps, and deliver results for all students.

Senator Lewis and other legislative leaders commented on the bill’s launch:

“The Student Opportunity Act will make an unprecedented $1.5 billion investment in our public schools, ensuring that school districts across the Commonwealth have adequate and equitable resources to provide all students, especially those facing adversity, with a high-quality public education,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and all education stakeholders as this bill advances in the legislative process.”