A SENATE PANEL COMES THROUGH FOR GOVERNOR MARTINEZ. THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON SUNDAY APPROVED A 6-POINT-2 BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET BILL THAT PROVIDES MORE MONEY FOR THE GOVERNOR'S EDUCATION INITIATIVES. GOVERNOR MARTINEZ HAS SAID SHE'D VETO ANY BILL THAT DIDN'T INCLUDE HER INITIATIVES.
THE COMMITTEE ADDED 17-AND-A-HALF MILLION DOLLARS TO THE BUDGET TO GIVE THE STATE PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FLEXIBILITY TO WORK WITH SCHOOL DISTRICTS ON EFFORTS TO IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE.
THE COMMITTEE'S PROPOSAL IS AN EFFORT TO BREAK THE IMPASSE OVER THE BUDGET AND AVOID A SPECIAL SESSION. THE CURRENT SESSION ENDS THIS THURSDAY.
