States playing fast and loose with teachers' jobs money

[n2doc]

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- What Congress giveth, governors taketh away.

Lawmakers gave cash-strapped states $10 billion last month to save 145,000 teachers' jobs. The funds were meant to reduce classroom crowding and restore programs lost to state budget cuts.

But some governors have other ideas for the money, namely using the funds to close their budget shortfalls. Several are planning to reduce state aid to school districts by the amount they receive from the feds. Others are looking to use the money for school construction and improvements.

more

http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/20/news/economy/teacher_jobs_fund/

this part is interesting:
Three states -- South Carolina, Texas and Wyoming -- are still waiting to get their federal funds.

South Carolina did not apply for its $143 million share after learning that it did not qualify because it had cut funding for higher education too deeply. Gov. Mark Sanford, a Republican, lashed out at the Obama administration, saying he did not want to cut money for law enforcement and health care just to funnel it to higher education.

Texas, meanwhile, had its application rejected because it did not meet a special provision in the law that applies only to the Lone Star State, which requires the governor to promise not to cut state aid for three years. Gov. Rick Perry said state law prevents him from making such an assurance. Texas was slated to receive $830 million.

[w8liftinglady]

1. My friend is a 5th grade teacher in the Dallas ISD-

They have gone without a salary adjustment for 4 years...and are doing the same as other districts-hiring "new" teachers...at lower salaries.rick perry is a prick...one who doesn't give a shit until it's election time.