Missouri schools could receive a 2 percent funding increase next year and state employees could get a small raise.
Those decisions appear to be locked into the budget as a result of decisions today (Tuesday) by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The committee agreed to provide a $66 million increase in basic state aid to public elementary and secondary schools on top of a $3 billion core budget. The House had approved a $65 million increase. Under legislative rules, negotiators are required to keep the final figure between the House and Senate versions.
The budget panel also agreed to go with a House plan that would provide a $500 annual pay raise to state employees, starting halfway through the 2014 fiscal year.
