Sponsored by Rep. Ross Hunter, D-Bellevue, House Bill 1484 would authorize countywide school levies that could be used to fund regional COLA supplements for school employees. It passed the House 50-46 with bipartisan support.

The high cost of housing in many parts of the state makes it extremely difficult for educators to live in the school districts where they teach. Because of high housing costs, many school districts are experiencing dramatic teacher turnover, which affects student learning.

If approved by voters in a particular county, the new funding would be distributed on an equal per-employee basis to all school districts in that county.

HB 1484 would help equalize the salary disparities between high-cost districts and those in less-expensive areas. Statewide, 37 of 39 counties could run countywide school levies under this bill. While HB 1484 would allow some property-rich counties to raise more money per employee, it's those counties' higher property values that make it difficult for school employees to afford housing. Also, school districts where property values are lower receive state equalization funding to help reduce local property taxes -- funding that schools in more expensive districts don't receive.

HB 1484 would allow schools to benefit from the unused portion of the state's property tax authority without affecting junior taxing districts. It is a way to improve school funding without affecting the state budget.