Legislative budget update

Senators Moore and Chandler are here with with an update on the FY11 state budget.
*note that this is the House budget; the Senate budget comes out in two weeks
concern with using rainy day funds as it will hit the bond rating
(the rainy day fund has about $700 million now)
running out of stimulus funding (so may need rainy day fund then)
Have increased ed funding by $300 million over the last three years
House budget is $1 billion less than the Governor
many of the losses of government employees have been in health and human services
loss in capital gains revenue of 75%

Worcester $191 million coming here
$176 million was last year, so it's an increase ($14.6 million more)

Senator Chandler mentions that it's very nostalgic (she left SC 16 years ago)
circuit breaker cut down to $139 million
Senate President Murray suggested that they might revisit local aid if they're better than expected (tax due date was extended to May)

Legislation:
bullying bill: includes all school facilities and functions, buses, and bus stops
must have intervention plans
professional development and age-appropriate instruction in effect for next school year
(free or low cost to district)
principal or designee must investigate immediately
dropout age extended to 18: still in committee
H.1347: dress code legislation
out of committee favorably, pending in House (and has been for awhile)
Ed Reform: adequency study required
has to be done by Dec. 2011 (get in touch to find out when hearings are)
Commissioner gave Spirit of Knowledge their charter today