Ark. gov: Boost in school funds may be difficult

Next Politics & Policy Article LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe on Wednesday indicated that giving schools $112 million for high fuel prices and teacher insurance costs would be difficult given the uncertainty of the economy. "It's tough times economically right now," Beebe told reporters at the state Capitol. "As we've said all along, when it comes to public education and adequacy, we'll make those decisions without regard to economic times. Then anything that's not within the parameters of adequacy will be treated the same way that the rest of state government is treated." Beebe said the proposed funding hikes for transportation and insurance would not be given as high a priority for funding if they're not considered part of what constitutes an adequate education. "If transportation and insurance are part of... [read full story]