With fuel prices so high, one of the concerns that I have been following is the effect these rising fuel prices are having on school bus operators.
In response to inquiries I received from local school districts and school bus contractors, I followed up with the Controller General’s Office (CGO) to find out what kind of financial relief the state could offer to those significantly impacted by these exorbitant gas prices. The CGO provides fiscal analysis to legislators on the Joint Finance Committee as we craft the state budget.
According to the controller general, the school transportation formula is designed to account for exactly these kinds of changes in fuel prices, so that state funding for contractors and districts will be adjusted accordingly. For example, language in the epilogue of the state budget specifically says: “Funding adjustment will be made when the annual average price increases or decreases by at least $0.05 per gallon. The first review will be based on the annual averages through December 31 of each year and additional reviews will be conducted each month thereafter until April 30. Timing and frequency of fuel adjustments shall be determined by the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Public School Transportation Committee. Reviews may also be conducted at any time upon the request of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Controller General.”
I am thankful that our school districts and school bus contractors are not being forgotten by state policymakers in the midst of significantly increased fuel costs.
I appreciate being able to assist with these kinds of inquiries. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at ruth.briggsking@delaware.gov with any concerns.
Rep. Ruth Briggs King
R-Georgetown
