SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – The South Dakota Public Schools Coalition is worried the 1.25% budget increase for education goes against South Dakota Codified Law.  During Gov. Kristi Noem’s budget address in December, she recommended a 1.25% increase for education funding. However, in a public letter, the public school coalition said the “funding falls far short of the statutory requirement.” Bill would repeal seat belt law for adults State law requires public schools receive a funding increase equal to the consumer price index (CPI-W) or 3%, whichever is lower. This year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics computed an average of 3.25% for the CPI-W.  “According to the law, education funding should increase by 3% this year to match inflation,” the letter said.  The coalition is made up of South Dakota departments for associated school boards, school administrators, unified school districts, large school groups and the education association.  Heath Larson, the director of Associated School Boards of South Dakota, said the purpose of their letter was to inform the public on what the CPI-W is, what the state’s statutory laws are and just how far under the proposed 1.25% would be.  “We just wanted people to be aware from a funding perspective because we need that funding to make sure our schools are operating and giving our students and school districts the best chance for success,” Larson told KELOLAND News.  The 1.25% increase is an equivalent of $12.8 million, where the 3% increase in funding amounts to approximately $30 million.  Larson said the main reason they’re advocating for a 3% increase is to raise teacher salaries.  “Ultimately there's teacher shortages, there's numerous projects that schools need to be able to complete as well,” he said. The coalition’s letter also criticized the new school voucher bill, HB 1020, which would allocate $4 million to fund selected students to attend private or home schools.  “We understand it's an extremely tight budget year. We understand that, so it's just a very difficult time from a budget perspective,” Larson added. “Starting a new program to this extent would also be a very big concern obviously for all of us in K-12 public education.” More than 80% of students attend public schools, the letter said. They urged lawmakers to direct the funds toward strengthening public school education instead.