DES MOINES, Iowa — Republican lawmakers complained Wednesday that Gov. Chet Culver’s proposed budget doesn’t provide enough funding for the state’s community colleges.
Culver, a Democrat, outlined his budget during his Condition of the State speech on Tuesday, and Republicans said it gives community colleges far less than other education programs.
Rep. Jeff Kaufmann, R-Wilton, said only a fraction of the funding sought by community colleges was included in Culver’s budget.
‘‘Only 30 percent of the askings have been honored,’’ said Kaufmann.
He said Culver’s budget includes per-pupil spending of $2,399 for community colleges, compared to $2,269 last year.
Kaufmann, who teaches at a community college in Muscatine, said he doesn’t take any pay increases approved by the Legislature.
Culver defended his proposed budget, saying it would give community colleges an additional $3.5 million next year. He said his budget keeps in place $23 million in job training programs, many of which are run through community colleges.
— Associated Press
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