MATT GOURAS Associated Press Writer HELENA
Gov. Brian Schweitzer's proposed budget is being criticized by education advocates for spending too little on schools while Republicans worry it spends too much. The Montana School Boards Association says the governor's proposed budget will force school districts to cut programs or seek increases in local property taxes. Executive Director Lance Melton is urging members to contact legislators in hopes they'll be persuaded to spend more on schools. Schweitzer unveiled his budget over the weekend. Overall, it reduces spending by rolling back one-time expenditures. But ongoing government programs go up close to 10 percent over two years. Schweitzer says it is an austere budget for tough times but Republicans say they want to reduce spending more.
