Facing Suit, La. Governor Offers School-Finance Plan

By Mark Pitsch

Facing a new lawsuit calling for more equitable distribution of Louisiana's education dollars, Gov. Edwin W. Edwards last week proposed a $2.5-billion education budget that includes $38.2 million for the first year of a five-year program to revamp the way the state funds public education.

"This is the first step in a major change in the distribution of [education] dollars,'' said Sally Clausen, the Governor's education adviser.

The legislature this year is expected to vote on a new Minimum Foundation Program, which determines how the state distributes education funds. Last year, the legislature put off...