INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- A Democratic state senator says the two-year state budget approved this week devastates many public schools.

Senate Minority Leader Vi Simpson of Bloomington says that the amount of school funding in the budget ignores the reality of fixed costs and inflation that schools face even if they’re losing students.

Simpson wants an intensive study committee to be established to develop a new school funding formula that does not create winners and loser. She says a funding plan is needed that gives every child the same opportunity and treats them with the same respect.

Democratic House Speaker Patrick Bauer of South Bend also wants a study of school funding issues.

Posted 7/3/2009