Legislative leaders, governor propose less funds for education budget
JACKSON – Substantial cuts are being recommended by Gov. Phil Bryant and legislative leaders for the general education budget, which funds the state Department of Education.
The proposed cuts come at a time when the state Board of Education and Superintendent Carey Wright are asking for additional money for such items as early childhood education, literacy efforts at the elementary grade level and for innovations at the high school level. Most of the requested increases are for programs that both the Legislature and the state Board of Education have embraced as important to improving the education outcomes in the state.
The 14-member Legislative Budget Committee, which includes Lt. Gov. Tate Reeve and House Speaker Philip Gunn, is proposing that the general education budget be cut 3.9 percent or $6.6 million for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts July 1.
Daily Journal
12/3/17
Magnolia Tribune
