Little Rock - Governor Mike Beebe said Wednesday that giving schools $112 million for high fuel prices and teacher insurance costs would be difficult given the uncertainty of the economy.

Beebe says the proposed funding hikes for transportation and insurance would not be given as high a priority for funding if they're not considered part of what constitutes an adequate education.

The joint House and Senate Education committees recommended the funding increases, addressing two major unanswered questions that had remained as lawmakers began fall budget hearings this month.

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