Budget Debate In House Stalled Over Education Spending

A $50-Million gap exists between the House and Senate versions of a bill expected to fully fund the state public education formula. The House has approved a bill calling for an additional $175-Million to fully fund the formula. The Senate version calls for $125-Million. House Speaker Jim Kreider has refused to allow the House to negotiateany budget bills until the formula is settled and the education budget completed. Kreider says the two chambers can move to the rest of the budget after deciding the education issue. He remains confident the budget process will be completed by the May 10th deadline.