Friday, 21 January 2000
http://www.azstarnet.com/public/dnews/LX7974.html
By Howard Fischer
Capitol Media Services
PHOENIX - Republican legislators voted en masse yesterday against
more pay for teachers, smaller classes and help for students to
pass the AIMS test.
But their leaders insisted that doesn't mean they don't want these
programs. They said it's just too early to discuss spending that
kind of money.
Meanwhile, Democrats united to vote against providing funds for
the growing number of kids in schools next year and for more state-paid
health care for the poor.
Their leaders acknowledged the funds are needed. But they sought
to kill the bills now to have a bargaining chip later for even
more spending.
Lawmakers adopted a two-year budget last session. But some question
if there is enough money for next year - the second year of the
cycle - or whether there might be money left over.
Gov. Jane Hull says the only way to balance the budget is by borrowing
$125 million for school repairs.
The legislative budget staff, controlled by the GOP majority,
says the state doesn't need to borrow and still will wind up with
an extra $37 million.
Democrats contend revenues will be higher than anticipated, leaving
hundreds of millions left over. That is money they want spent
on education and health care; they fear Republicans will instead
cut taxes.
So they fought yesterday over two bills appropriating money everyone
concedes is needed: State aid to schools and for health care is
driven by formulas that should automatically increase state aid
with the growth in enrollment.
``It's not rocket science,'' said Senate President Brenda Burns.
``It simply has to be done.''
But not just yet, the Democrats argue, as this budget year doesn't
end until June 30.
Democrats fear that once these necessary bills are signed into
law they lose leverage to persuade Republicans to fund other programs.
So they tried to tack these pet projects onto these necessary
bills.
One amendment would increase teacher pay by $1,000. Sen. Chris
Cummiskey, D-Phoenix, said that would still leave the salary of
the average teacher $4,000 below the national average. Defeated.
Another proposed funds for full-day kindergarten programs. Ditto.
The same fate befell a pilot program to reduce class size, put
more police in schools and help students pass the standardized
test required for graduation.
The Republicans also defeated a plan by Sen. George Cunningham,
D-Tucson, to have the state borrow $125 million to finance school
repairs. That move, he said, would ensure money for other priorities
like reducing class size.
Senate Majority Whip Ann Day, R-Tucson, said these issues will
get a hearing.
In fact, there are Republicans who support many of these. For
example, Sen. Keith Bee, R-Tucson, is a co-sponsor of the bill
to boost teacher pay.
But Democrats note the House Ways and Means Committee, led by
Rep. Bill McGibbon, R-Green Valley, is pushing a $105 million
cut in income taxes.
Sen. Harry Mitchell, D-Tempe, said he worries that, by the time
additional school and health funding come up for debate, extra
cash will be gone.
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