|
|
|
PITTSBURG —
We were saddened, but not surprised, to learn of Gov. Mark Parkinson’s plan to reduce state spending will be reduced by $259 million in the budget year that ends June 30.
Two of the biggest cuts come from cutting $50 million in highway maintenance projects and a combined $38 million for K-12 and higher education.
The Pittsburg and Southeast school districts will take the biggest K-12 hits locally, with Pittsburg losing $274,000 and Southeast losing $231,000. Pittsburg State is also expecting a cut of around $100,000.
While we were disappointed in the news, it seemed inevitable, since state revenues continue to fall below estimates. There seems to be no good solutions at this point, which makes the upcoming legislative session — which begins in January — all the more crucial.
We understand the necessity of the most recent cuts, but we also urge state officials and lawmakers to develop ways to increase revenue so that future cuts, if needed, will not be as drastic.
Jacob W. Brower, for The Morning Sun
We were saddened, but not surprised, to learn of Gov. Mark Parkinson’s plan to reduce state spending will be reduced by $259 million in the budget year that ends June 30.
Two of the biggest cuts come from cutting $50 million in highway maintenance projects and a combined $38 million for K-12 and higher education.
The Pittsburg and Southeast school districts will take the biggest K-12 hits locally, with Pittsburg losing $274,000 and Southeast losing $231,000. Pittsburg State is also expecting a cut of around $100,000.
While we were disappointed in the news, it seemed inevitable, since state revenues continue to fall below estimates. There seems to be no good solutions at this point, which makes the upcoming legislative session — which begins in January — all the more crucial.
We understand the necessity of the most recent cuts, but we also urge state officials and lawmakers to develop ways to increase revenue so that future cuts, if needed, will not be as drastic.
Jacob W. Brower, for The Morning Sun
