Oklahoma House approves education funding bill

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma House unanimously passed a proposal today that would give public schools $1.95-billion. <br><br>Representatives approved the bill with no debate. The Senate passed

Wednesday, April 16th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma House unanimously passed a proposal today that would give public schools $1.95-billion.

Representatives approved the bill with no debate. The Senate passed the bill Tuesday.

The measure now goes to the governor who could sign it into law.

The legislation specifies that $1.525-billion of the appropriation go to support of public schools. That is $80.4-million more than school districts will receive under the current state aid formula.

The bill gives schools about 4% more than they are getting right now, but its about 4% less than what many districts started the school year with.

Oklahoma Education Association President Carolyn Crowder says the agreement makes many education cuts permanent instead of restoring lost funds and maintaining the quality of public education.

Lawmakers acknowledged the measure isn't perfect, but called it the ``best possible program.''