Northam proposes increased funding for at-risk schools

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says he wants to put more money into at-risk schools and give teachers a 3 percent raise.

Northam, a Democrat, on Monday highlighted portions of his forthcoming two-year budget proposal.

His plan also calls for increased funding for school counselors and more money to help children whose first language isn’t English.

The governor plans to make his full budget public on Tuesday at a hearing before lawmakers.

Passing a two-year state spending plan will be a top priority for the General Assembly during the 2020 session. During last month’s legislative elections, voters gave Democrats full control of the General Assembly for the first time in a generation.