Budget writers set $1.3B schools spending plan

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Teachers stand to see wages bolstered under a plan approved Monday by legislative budget writers who favored unwinding a 2-year-old freeze on the system that helps set their pay, as well as directing millions to local districts to reward employees who help improve student performance.

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee passed the $1.3 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2014, a 2.2 percent increase over last year, on a 15-5 vote.