More school funding added to capital bill

JUNEAU - State legislators have added another $20 million for schools statewide - this time in the capital budget. The one-time money amounts to an extra $100 per pupil.

That's on top of increases in an education funding package signed into law last week.

The most recent draft of Senate Bill 221 was introduced in the Senate Finance Committee on Monday morning.

It represents a $200 million increase over the $1.6 billion dollar capital budget introduced Friday. Along with assistance to schools, it also adds more money for University of Alaska projects, deferred maintenance at state Pioneer Homes and roads.

The committee will take up amendments to the bill today.