As state legislative campaigns ramp up for the November election, much is being said about education, and specifically about how education funding fared under the first Republican-controlled legislature in 150 years.

Democratic legislators call GOP actions of the past two years a broad-based assault on public education in North Carolina.

Republicans contend the two-year budget crafted under their leadership represents a net increase in state dollars and directs funding to where it is needed, classroom teachers and teaching assistants.

While there is a net loss to overall education funding, that loss came with the expiration of the federal stimulus package aimed at stemming job and funding losses as a result of the worst economic times in the nation since the 1930s.

Democrats proposed continuing a 1-percent sales tax, which would have generated $1.4 billion to offset what they called Draconian cuts to education. Republicans used their leverage to refocus education priorities.

For full story, see the Wednesday, Spet. 26 issue of THe Mountaineer or click here.