Education Funding Bill Going To Governor

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Senators are sending a $2.5 billion K-12 education budget to Gov. Phil Bryant for the upcoming year.

It’s an unusual move that means senators won’t engage in late-session negotiations with House members over a bill that makes up more than 40 percent of state spending.

The measure increases funding for K-12 schools by $106 million, but leaves the state’s education funding formula $211 million short of what it demands. Supporters of more education money reacted angrily to the Senate’s move, in part because lawmakers may soon increase the overall estimate of money projected to be available during fiscal 2016.

Senators rejected a proposal by Democratic Sen. Hob Bryan of Amory to add $25 million to education, which would have also forced a House-Senate conference.

Bryant says he’ll sign the bill.