The following are summaries of final action by legislatures on state budgets and education-related matters.
UTAH
Governor:
Norman H. Bangerter (R)
FY 1990 state budget:
$2.9 billion
FY 1990 K-12 budget:
$1.07 billion
FY 1989 K-12 budget:
$1.03 billion
Percent change K-12 budget:
+4 percent
Highlights
Legislature passed resolution encouraging districts, local governments to adopt spending limits fol2p4lowing defeat of measure to impose statewide tax, spending restrictions.
Also approved bills prohibiting use of tobacco on school grounds while students are present; providing incentives to students and districts for early graduation from high school; allowing districts in pilot block-grant program to use funds for transportation, career ladders, and capital improvements.
Defeated bills to allow local boards to drop performance-based pay program from career ladders, establish nominating committee for candidates for state board of education.
VIRGINIA
Governor:
Gerald L. Baliles (D)
FY 1989-90 state budget:
$11.8 billion
FY 1989-90 K-12 budget:
$4.2 billion
Percent change K-12 budget:
+.04 percent
Highlights
Legislature added $6.9 million to second year of biennial budget for dropout-prevention activities, including remediation and counseling, improved recordkeeping, grants for innovative local programs. Raised mandatory school-attendance age from 17 to 18.
Also added $4.2 million for textbooks, first step toward providing free books to all students; $455,000 to create new Council on Child Day Care and Early-Childhood Programs to coordinate, expand services.
Approved a ban on corporal punishment in public schools.
