Because the final revenue estimates used in last year's budgeting process were so far off the mark, we have been forced to reach into education budgets. We recognize the challenge, and we know that Mississippi's educators are already working on ways to maintain our commitment to quality education for Mississippi students. We have come too far in public education in Mississippi to turn back now. We have met with the education leaders and the presidents of community and junior colleges and universities to talk about the budget and its affect on education. They are committed to providing excellent educational opportunities for our people and to doing more with less.
Education remains our top priority.
We all know that education is the foundation for building good jobs for our people. We are joining forces to look for short, intermediate and long term solutions to the state's budget needs for education. One solution we have presented to the members of the Legislature is a proposal to use AMS settlement funds to pay for one-time expenditures. Using AMS funds will free up general fund dollars that can be used for recurring expenses. We welcome other ideas and suggestions that would help us provide a short-term fix for the budget, and allow us to continue providing quality services to our people.