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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Governor Mike Beebe says he'll call for more than
$100 million in additional funding for Medicaid and $55 million for public
schools when he presents his balanced budget proposal next week.
Beebe said Thursday that those two increases would be the largest items in
an otherwise flat budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. The
Democratic governor is scheduled to present his proposal on Tuesday, the
first day of budget hearings. Lawmakers convene for the fiscal session on
February 13th. Beebe said the additional Medicaid funds are needed for
growth in the program and said the number would have been larger if an
expected shortfall had materialized.
Beebe said the money for schools is based on a legislative panel's
recommendation on what it takes to adequately fund them.
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