The following are summaries of governors’ budget requests for precollegiate education and final action by legislatures on education-related matters.
Governors’ Proposals
MICHIGAN
Governor: James J. Blanchard (D)
FY 1991 proposed state budget: $7.62 billion
FY 1991 proposed K-12 budget: $2.6 billion
FY 1990 K-12 budget: $2.48 billion
Percent change K-12 budget: +4.8 percent
Highlights:
Budget includes a 14 percent increase in state contribution to school-aid fund.
Governor proposes funding Healthy Start, a new insurance program for children of low-income families, at $15 million for first year.
Also seeking to limit annual increases in school taxes for homeowners to no more than the rate of inflation.
Governor has proposed model parental-leave policy for state employees to participate in school activities.
WYOMING
Governor: Mike Sullivan (D)
FY 1991-92 proposed state budget: $721.9 million
FY 1991 proposed K-12 budget: $221.5 million
FY 1990 K-12 budget: $218 million
Percent change K-12 budget: +1.6 percent
Highlights:
K-12 budget, which is prepared annually by education department, is not included in state’s biennial budget.
Governor’s budget proposal calls for diverting $54 million from revenue sources dedicated to other projects and not included in the state’s general fund, to make up a projected shortfall in the school-foundation program, but does not include education department’s proposal for a 5 percent increase over the current year in funding for education.
In addition, Governor has proposed establishment of a $50-million education trust fund to finance innovative district programs that promote excellence and to endow professorships at the University of Wyoming.
Final Action
NEW MEXICO
Governor: Garrey E. Carruthers (R)
FY 1991 state budget: $1.86 billion
FY 1991 K-12 budget: $897 million
FY 1990 K-12 budget: $863 million
Percent change K-12 budget: +3.9 percent
Highlights:
Legislature failed to approve salary increase for teachers, who are demanding that a special session be called to reconsider raises.
Lawmakers passed bill allowing state board of education to waive regulations for innovative programs; also approved $2 million for remediation efforts for at-risk students, and funding for expansion of Re:Learning project.
Governor unsuccessful in effort to extend school year from 180 to 200 days. Also failing were bills to establish board that would review innovative proposals from local school boards and decide on money to implement them, and to extend teacher-contract hours to encourage home visits.
