State Representative Jason Conger of Bend would like a more honest debate on school funding. He voted 'no' on the $5.7 billion Education Budget passed Wednesday in the House. He describes this package as flat, or a slight increase to the current level is misleading because mandated costs are increasing for local schools and lawmakers haven't anything to fix that issue: “We give them a flat budget with no spending increases and we say we did a good job for you.  It's the same as last time, and I feel it’s a little disingenuous and it's not fair to the schools.” Conger also made his point on the House floor and said he was especially disappointed that lawmakers haven't tackled PERs reform. He says the silver lining is that the budget for schools was passed early so at least the local districts know that they have to work with.