by David Safier
Information is beginning to trickle in about the nature of federal bailout money that could go to states.
For me, the most important passage of this article is, states won't get federal money to replace dollars they cut:
Some portions of the package may not provide a net increase to Arizona if they prevent lawmakers from making cuts.
For example, to get education funding for poor schools, worth an estimated $257 million to Arizona, states may be required to add on to existing services, rather than simply plug holes left by state budget cuts.
Legislative leaders are contemplating $890 million in cuts to K-12 this year and next, including lump-sum reductions of roughly $240 million.
Budget analysts say state lawmakers will be able to reject some portions of the package and accept others.
So if we cut money, we get less money. If we keep funding stable or add to it, we get more money. And states can pick and choose from the menu, cafeteria style.
The plot thickens.
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