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Fri: Done deal. For real.
posted at 2009-07-31 18:53 | Last modified 2009-07-31 18:53
612 will be empty this evening. Just after 6pm, the House and Senate agreed to a compromise on the one issue left outstanding - increases in class size.
The deal they struck basically passes the buck to local boards and administrators. They're still taking a hit - Garrou and Rand didn't have the exact figure, but they say it's less than the $340M cut proposed earlier.
But the local LEAs will have the flexibility to manage those cuts, with one important exception: They cannot change the teacher allotment ratios in K-6. For grades 7-12, class size changes will be at the discretion of the local system.
The special provision also urges local systems in no uncertain terms to do everything they can, including using their stimulus dollars, to minimize layoffs of classroom personnel.
Perdue's budget chief Charlie Perusse didn't look particularly pleased as he left the building. But Garrou is hopeful the Governor will accept the compromise.
Other details were sketchy at best. The document won't be finished and available till Monday, and today's negotiations covered only items that were still in contention, most of which were special provisions.
A few highlights:
- Tax package: $990M. 1 cent sales, a two-tiered income tax surcharge at 60K and up, and sin taxes as proposed earlier.
- Athletic booster clubs will still get their tuition breaks on scholarships for out of state athletes.
- "Substantial" cuts to community care services.
- 7 smaller prisons will close. But Haywood's prison will stay open, because "there aren't any others nearby."
More when I can later. But again, we won't really know exactly what we're looking at till we see the hard copy Monday, and it's a safe bet we'll find a surprise or two in it. Always do.
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