Gov. Nathan Deal (R)
Date of Speech: Jan. 15
Gov. Deal told lawmakers that he would push for more education funding during the next year so that districts can restore instructional days, end furloughs of teachers, and boost educators’ salaries—steps that he believes will help them rebound from years of economic pain.
The governor, who is up for re-election this year, has been criticized by political opponents who accuse him of having not done enough to help districts stave off recession-driven budget cuts.
But Mr. Deal said he had protected districts from deep cuts through the state’s funding formula, while keeping taxes in check. His spending plan released Jan. 15 would increase K-12 funding by more than $540 million, to nearly $8 billion, in fiscal 2015.
“These funds will provide our local school systems with the resources and flexibility to address the most-critical needs of their students and teachers,” Mr. Deal said.
