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Democratic lawmakers from both chambers gathered at the day’s end Monday in a show of unity to celebrate not only the end of this 62-day session but also their legislative triumphs. They echoed Gov Allen’s sentiments that education became the top priority this session and claimed they fulfilled campaign promises with this proposed budget.
Kindergarten through 12th grades will be affected by an expanded presence of computers in schools, smaller class sizes across the state, new standardized tests plus a modest 3.75 percent teacher pay raises during thfe two years.
The governor’s proposed testing plan, which he contends will raise the standards of learning, was scaled down by Democrats and entangled with the federal funds from the Goals 2000 program.
As proposed, if two-thirds of local school boards request the state to apply for the federal funding, then the state will accept $6.7 million allocated by the federal government in its 1995 budget. The plan allows for students to be tested in three to four grades depending on the funds available.
Gov. Allen continues to oppose accepting federal funds because he says it would allow the government to meddle in the state’s affairs. Democrats counter that he is foolish to turn down the money.
See Budget, Page A-6
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