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June 19, 2006

Update: Education aid ignites House budget debate

PROVIDENCE -- Debate over a proposed $6.6 billion state budget developed into an argument over education funding this afternoon.

The Democrat-controlled House voted 67-5 to give each school district 4.8 percent more money for education next fiscal year than it received this year.

Thirteen rural and suburban school districts would have received more money under a plan put forward by GOP Governor Carcieri.

At one point during the debate, House Minority Leader Robert Watson urged representatives from the 13 towns to hold up the budget until their school districts received as much money in the House plan as Carcieri had recommended.

Rep. Paul Moura, D-Providence, urged House members not to take money from one school district to give more to others. Each district should receive an equitable increase, he said.

The Senate must approve the budget plan before it becomes law.

The House budget debate, which begin early this afternoon, is continuing at the State House.

-- With Associated Press reports

Posted by Kate Bramson  at 7:05 PM | Permalink

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