Education Advocates Seek More Money From Mississippi Budget

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Top Mississippi lawmakers on Friday were still trying to decide how much money the state will spend on public schools during this election year, even as education advocates continued to push for a substantial increase.

Our students deserve clean, well-equipped, welcoming and energizing learning environments with access to the latest technology and innovative teaching methods, Mississippi Association of Educators president Erica Jones said in a statement.

House and Senate budget writers face a Saturday deadline to file funding proposals for education, health care, prisons, transportation and other services during the fiscal year that begins July 1.

I can assure you that we're working hard, House Appropriations Committee Chairman John Read, a Republican from Gautier, said Friday.