Sunday, October 18, 2009

Special session: Richardson proposes education cut | session, cut, special - News - Clovis News Journal


Special session: Richardson proposes education cut session, cut, special - News - Clovis News Journal:

"SANTA FE (AP) — Gov. Bill Richardson on Saturday proposed a 1.5 percent cut in education spending as New Mexico lawmakers during a special legislative session decide how to backfill a $650 million hole in this year’s state budget.

The proposal to cut public schools and colleges by at least $40 million was a turnabout for the governor, who had previously said he didn’t want to touch education.
He said the revision reflected the state’s “new budget realities.”

The revenue shortfall is now projected at $650 million. Just weeks ago, it was thought to be $400 million for the fiscal year that began July 1.
“Cuts must include safeguards that classrooms, kids and teachers will not be affected,” Richardson said in a statement."