Budget plans: MAEP short, Senate funds pre-K
The Mississippi Adequate Education Program, which provides state support to local school districts, is about $300 million short of full funding under both House and Senate budget proposals.
The Senate provides $36.1 million, or 1.6 percent, more for kindergarten through 12th grade than the 2012 Legislature. The House provides an additional $28 million.
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said the Senate plan will include $7.5 million for his proposal to help local school districts hire armed law enforcement officers and $8 million to begin the phase-in of a pre-kindergarten program. Mississippi is one of only four states not to appropriate money for early childhood education.
Both House and Senate plans provide increased funds for the Public Employees Retirement System. An additional $55 million will be needed for PERS with about half of that for local school districts.
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal
2/20/13
Magnolia Tribune
