DENVER (AP) — A coalition of education groups worried about proposed cuts for schools wants lawmakers to take the issue to voters.
Members of Great Futures Colorado say they've come up with a ballot proposal to address Colorado's budget problems and they want lawmakers to refer it to November's ballot. They'll announce the details Wednesday at the state Capitol.
Lawmakers are considering cutting state aid to school districts by an estimated $119 million next year, a 3.4 percent drop, by changing the way funding is calculated. Local funding is also dropping because of lower property values due to the recession.
Districts will have $253 less to spend on each student as a result.
The cut follows a $130 million reduction in state support for schools this year.
(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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Original story
DENVER (AP) — A coalition of education groups worried about proposed budget cuts for Colorado schools wants lawmakers to take the issue to voters.
Members of Great Futures Colorado say they've come up with a ballot proposal to address Colorado's budget problems and they want lawmakers to refer it to November's ballot. They plan to go ahead with their announcement at the state Capitol Wednesday afternoon even though state lawmakers are taking a snow day.
Colorado lawmakers are considering cutting $260 million in state funding for state public schools in next year's budget.
Coalition spokeswoman Lisa Weil says some districts are looking at laying off employees, switching to a four-day week and consolidating schools to save money.
(Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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