The State Senate Ways and Means Subcommitttee on Education has passed the education budget.

It calls for 7 billion to fund the state's public schools.

Senator Tim Knopp of Bend thinks that amount should be increased to 8 billion.

He read to fellow lawmakers this week a letter he received from Ron Wilkinson, Bend LaPine's Superintendent of Schools.

"Oregon's K-12 results on a number of state indicators are poor; however its worth noting that Oregon has one of the shortest school years in  the nation.  Collectively from K-12, Oregon students go to school less than other schools in the nation.  And funding has been in decline since the 2003-05 biennium."

Superintendent Wilkinson says the state needs to fund a minimum of 7.5 billion to get the necessary results and supports Senator Knopp's call for 8 billion.