Thu., March 5, 2009

Luna to Otter: ‘Take every penny’

Idaho Schools Supt. Tom Luna talks with lawmakers at the Capitol Annex on Thursday, as he briefed lawmakers on his recommendation to Gov. Butch Otter for $62 million in cuts in public schools next year, despite receiving millions in federal stimulus money. Luna said the federal money helps, but without cuts in addition, Idaho's education funding is facing a "cliff." (Betsy Russell / The Spokesman-Review)

GOP state schools Supt. Tom Luna says he was among those who opposed passage of the huge federal stimulus package, but, “I’m also very pragmatic when it comes to the stimulus dollars. … The fact is, this is a bill and the money’s coming," he told lawmakers today. "I’m presenting to you a plan on how we would use those dollars responsibly. … The recommendation I made to the governor was that I was there to show them reasons why they should take every penny of this. … I think we’ve presented to them a responsible way we can use all of these dollars.”

Posted March 5, 2009, 9:24 a.m.