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Iowa Gov.'s $5.3 Billion Budget has More for Schools

Des Moines, Iowa

Gov. Chet Culver on Wednesday sent the Legislature a $5.3 billion state budget that maintains a 10 percent spending cut that he imposed last month but includes more money for schools.

"We have taken steps to anticipate the current economic downturn and still meet our commitment to education, health care and public safety," Culver said in a statement accompanying the spending plan.

Culver's proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 includes savings of $341 million identified by a consultant hired by the governor. It also cuts $52.5 million from tax credits, although alternative energy...