House ed budget better than expected

Per-student funding for preK through 12 would drop by 1.2 percent, or $86 per student, under the House's proposal to cut $481-million from schools.

The proposed budget cuts also maintain the required local effort at current levels, by using $161-million in recurring state money -- "a high priority for Speaker Sansom and the Speaker," said schools and learning council chairman Rep. Joe Pickens.

The budget proposal also adds back $54-million in recurring general revenue to make up for the expected losses from the recently passed property tax amendment.

And universities would lose less than 1 percent, $17-million, though the proposal hinges on a 6 percent undergraduate tuition hike likely to meet the governor's opposition. Community colleges would actually see a 1 percent increase in their funding with the tuition recenues.

"It's not something I'm excited about," Gov. Charlie Crist just said when asked about the tuition. "I'm hoping there are other efficiencies we can look at as an alternative."

Comments

My, my - the GOP hypocrisy comes full circle. After all these years of shifting the burden to the locals under your philosophy, then chastizing them, you go and plug holes with state money

[Will]

Not raising the RLE is not hypocritical, but responsible. It will lower the millage rate further for homes. Add in Amendment 1 and the lower taxable values, and we will have significant savings.

Im estimating my savings to be $700 this year from last year, and $950 from 2 years ago.

Will,

You're right, not raising the LRE is not hypocritical.

But massively increasing state spending for local districts is.

See the Catch 22 they've made for themselves?

[terminator]

not a bad starting point.

I suspect they'll find a little additional revenue in the next month.

about as well as we can expect.

the districts need to tighten their belts, cut the pork and live within their means.