Chafee calls for education funding increase

The governor’s budget proposal would fully fund the new state funding formula for elementary and secondary schools and give an extra $10 million to state colleges and universities. Education advocates say they are pleased to see the governor make education funding a priority.

Chafee made stops at a Providence charter school and at the University of Rhode Island today to tout his education proposals. What is not clear is whether the $10 million for higher education will be enough to avoid further tuition hikes, which Governor Chafee says is his goal.

Meanwhile, teachers’ union leaders say they will fight a proposal in the governor’s budget to increase teacher contributions to the state pension plan. The governor is calling for teachers and other state emplees to contribute 11.75% of their overall salaries to help stabilize the pension fund.