LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas lawmakers are looking at proposed budgets for public schools and prisons as they prepare for this year's legislative session.
The Joint Budget Committee on Wednesday planned to continue its hearings and look at proposals for the Public School Fund, the Department of Correction and the Department of Community Correction.
Gov. Mike Beebe on Tuesday unveiled a $4.7 billion budget that includes $163 million in funding increases. The bulk of those increases go toward Medicaid and public schools. Beebe has proposed $56 million more for public schools, an amount based on lawmakers' recommendation on how to adequately fund education. He's also proposed $2.1 million in additional funding for the Department of Correction.
Lawmakers convene at the Capitol on Feb. 13 for the fiscal session.
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