The Arizona House of Representatives, in a 2013 floor session.The Arizona Legislature was in session Friday, its normal day off, trying to get the state's proposed $9.58 billion budget passed, including more funding than originally proposed for schools.
The House Appropriations Committee late Thursday was considering a compromise to add funding for small schools, district-run charter schools and the school building fund. Some Republicans had held out for that funding, resisting what would have been a $30 million K-12 funding cut.
The budget package has been stalled since early in the week after some House Republicans balked at what they called inadequate funding for smaller schools, district-sponsored charter schools and those with declining enrollments.
Appropriations Committee chairman Justin Olson announced at the start of the meeting at 9 p.m. Thursday that all three would get extra funds and funding for school construction also would be added.
The panel had approved about half the bills as midnight approached. If all are approved, House debate could follow Friday.
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the budget bills late Wednesday, setting the stage for a full Senate debate Friday.
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