Lawmakers Get Reminder of Governor's Education Budget

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) As part of his budget recommendations for fiscal year 2009, Governor Jon Huntsman wants to spend 20-million dollars from the state's Uniform School Fund to help recruit new teachers. That's just one of the reminders lawmakers received from the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget yesterday.

"There are numerous opportunities that can be provided with those funds in way of bonuses and other attractions that could bring teachers into the state," said Mike Kjar of the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget.

Kjar also repeated to the Joint Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee Huntsman's wish to spend $8 dollars, including $3.5 million in one time money, to maintain school transportation. Democratic Representative Tim Cosgrove of Murray says lawmakers are facing some challenges in budgeting for public education.

"In addition to population growth, there's class size reduction. That presents us with another challenge of having the need for more teachers so we can dilute the numbers of students in our classrooms," says Cosgrove. "And we have a need for more classrooms."

Lawmakers were also reminded of the Governor's wish to give raises to math and science teachers and to provide resources to English language learners.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and 2008 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW