Governor Perdue released his budget recommendations for 2010 and 2011 last Friday. The General Assembly stands at recess this week while House and Senate members attend joint budget hearings on the Governor’s recommendations.

The Governor’s version of the budgets will undergo many changes in the House and Senate before the documents are finalized. At this afternoon’s joint budget hearings on education, State School Superintendent Kathy Cox answered legislators’ questions regarding unprecedented cuts to education funding. 

Cox prefaced her comments, stating that she is mindful of Georgia’s constitutional mandate regarding a free and adequate education for all students. She urged legislators to consider passing HB 908, which allows school systems flexibility to disregard class size mandates, the state salary schedule, and other spending guidelines.  

Below are some of the most important budget recommendations that Cox mentioned:

• Additional three educator furlough days in the 2010 Supplemental Budget.

• A 4% reduction in Equalization funds in the 2010 Budget

• RESA funding is totally eliminated in the 2011 Budget.

• School nurses and school nutrition programs are cut back.

• National Board Certification stipends are totally eliminated in the 2011 Budget.

• QBE funding is reduced by an additional $479 million in the Supplemental Budget.

On Monday, January 25, House and Senate members reconvene for Legislative Day Five.

To view the Governor’s recommendations in their entirety:

2010 Supplemental Budget

http://www.opb.state.ga.us/media/12303/state_of_georgia_budget_amended_fy_2010.pdf

2011 Budget http://www.opb.state.ga.us/media/12300/state_of_georgia_budget_fy_2011.pdf

Mark your calendars now to attend 2010 PAGE Day on Capitol Hill on February 23. Please join us at the capitol to speak with your legislators about the state budget and other important education issues. RSVP to this free event to Tamme Bell as tbell@pageinc.org or at (770) 216-8555.

Professional Association of Georgia Educators

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