The state of Missouri will invest up to $1.5 million to help the Joplin School District meet its financial obligations for the school year. Otherwise, Superintendent C.J.Huff says they would have had to raise property tax levies because the widespread tornado damage reduced the district’s property tax base.

Based on information from the Jasper and Newton County Assessors, Joplin school officials are projecting a significant drop in property tax revenues over the next year, including a drop of approximately $790,000 in residential property taxes in Jasper County alone.

Governor Jay Nixon also requested a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the tornado on local taxing jurisdictions from the Missouri Tax Commission and the Missouri Department of Revenue. Additional information on residential, commercial and personal property taxes from the counties will be available in early 2012.

Gov. Nixon’s authorization of up to $1.5 million in funding will make up for this significant reduction in property tax revenue, ensuring that Joplin schools have the resources they need to educate students this year.

Gov. Nixon has reserved $150 million in the budget for the current fiscal year to help fund disaster recovery and relief efforts. The Governor has the authority to direct those funds as needed to support such efforts