GOP Legislators to unveil school funding plan

Republican legislators say today may be the day they announce their decision on state aid for schools. A year ago, lawmakers promised an additional $156 MILLION in state aid for the 2002/2003 school year, but sagging state tax revenue means that promise is being scaled back. Democrat Governor Tom Vilsack has recommended about 60-MILLION in additional state aid for schools. If republicans suggest no additional dollars, or scale back next year’s state aid below this year’s level, Vilsack says he’ll reject it. He says anything below his recommendation is unacceptable. Vilsack made his comments on Iowa Public Television. Republican legislators say education is their top priority, but to give schools more money next year, every other area of state government must be cut significantly.