Lawmakers Support Governor's School Funding Plan

     PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A survey by The Associated Press shows South
Dakota lawmakers are ready to support Gov. Dennis Daugaard's
proposal to increase state financial aid to school districts.
     About 86 percent of the lawmakers responding to the survey say
they will support the Republican governor's plan. And although
three-quarters of the Republican legislators say the governor has
proposed the right increase in aid to schools, about 88 percent of
the Democrats say schools should get more money than the governor
has suggested.
     The governor and the Legislature cut state aid to schools
substantially last year as part of an effort to balance the state
budget.
     Daugaard now is proposing a 2.3 percent ongoing increase to help
pay school districts' operating expenses next year. Schools also
would get some one-time bonus money.