Monday, Feb. 20, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Gov. Nikki Haley says her proposed budget for the next fiscal year increases money for public schools. But a closer look shows her recommendations would actually decrease state funding by nearly $80 million.

The Republican governor is correct only by disregarding some pots of money. Her proposal represents an increase in recurring money for K-12 schools, when factoring in all state revenue sources -- chiefly, the penny of the state sales tax that goes directly to education programs.

However, Haley's proposal eliminates anything funded this school year with one-time money.

That includes $56 million legislators added to the budget to boost a key funding source that pays primarily for teacher salaries -- money they added over her veto.

The full House budget-writing committee will begin debating the budget this week.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)