Superintendent Talks Budget Cuts & Public Education

On The Legislature Today, there are more than 700 classrooms in the state being led by substitute teachers, more than a dozen local school systems being monitored for a lack of operational funds, and over the past few years, the state Department of Education has reduced its numbers by some 80 positions. 

Still, lawmakers are looking for ways to save money on education, one of the largest drivers of the state’s budget.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Martirano discusses the problems that face the state’s public education system and what lawmakers can do to address them.

Members of the House have considered a number of bills this legislative session that increase the penalties for breaking various laws. At least three of those bills have focused on drug crimes which Republican lawmakers say is in response to the state’s substance abuse epidemic.

In the Senate, the chamber debates a bill to require written permission from an employee before an employer can reduce his or her paycheck to pay for political activity.