03/16/10

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Rep. Phil Hart wants school districts with
more than 300 students to put their checkbooks on the Internet.

He might get that _ the House Education Committee voted Tuesday
to send the bill to the House's amending order for some changes.

Hart, a Republican from Athol, argued such a measure would make
sure ``the public can see how tax dollars are being spent.''

Still, school officials opposed the bill, out of fear such
requirements could cost districts thousands monthly _ money they
don't have during a budget crisis.

Rep. Jim Marriott says mandates without money to back them up
are wrong.

Rep. Bob Nonini, who backed the bill, said transparency is
needed in tough times, because Idaho districts have gotten more
flexibility to spend state money as they see fit and must be held
accountable.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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