SC education chief seeks teacher raises

COLUMBIA — Outgoing Education Superintendent Jim Rex says his final budget recommendation includes a cost-of-living raise for teachers.

Rex said in a statement today that he sent his request to outgoing Gov. Mark Sanford, who also leaves office in January.

Lawmakers decide the budget, which has been shattered by the economic downturn. The governor generally offers spending priorities. But Sanford is term limited and Rex will leave office after losing a bid for the Democratic nomination to replace Sanford.

Rex says teachers haven't had a cost of living increase in two years. His proposal also includes money to improve buses.

Rex says the limited budget precludes adding money for preschool education and the end of federal stimulus money also endangers other programs.