BOISE - Idaho lawmakers aim to give schools $128 million less in 2011 while allowing more freedom in how districts spend what they do get, an effort to make the worst budget year for public education as palatable as possible.

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted 15-4 to trim the total budget to $1.58 billion, a 7.5 percent cut compared to the current year. The state's general fund portion of the budget falls 1.4 percent to $1.21 billion.

Last year's budget cut of $68 million was the first time in Idaho history that total public education funding was reduced. This year's reduction goes much deeper, the result of 9 percent unemployment and lagging tax revenue that has drained millions in state school reserves. In addition, schools aren't benefiting from an infusion of federal stimulus cash, like they did in 2009.

"There's plenty for all of us to dislike," said Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert and co-chair of the budget panel.

All four of the panel's Democrats opposed the cuts, but their pleas were rejected by the GOP majority who said the poor economy and lagging tax revenue gave them no other choice.

Republicans ruled out a tax increase, even to help education.

"I truly don't see an alternative," said Sen. Jim Hammond, R-Post Falls, a 21-year school teacher and administrator. He added that when he talks to North Idaho businesses: "They beg me, 'Don't tax me anymore. I'm doing everything I can to stay alive."'

The full House and Senate must still back the plan. Both are expected to do so.

Under the budget, teachers and classified staff will see Idaho's share of their salaries cut 4 percent. Teachers also won't get automatic raises based on education or experience while and minimum teacher salaries were cut to $29,655, though districts could still pay them more from their other funding sources.

Meanwhile, administrators will be taking a 6.5 percent salary hit.

Still, instead of locking schools into spending on items such as school supplies or new computers, the budget includes provisions to allow districts to direct that money to their most critical needs. That reflects a compromise crafted late last month during talks between Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna, the Association of School Boards, Association of School Superintendents, the Idaho Education Association and lawmakers.

"One of the things we always preach about is 'Local control at local districts,' " said Rep. Darrell Bolz, R-Caldwell. "That is what we're doing with this budget."

Despite the flexibility being afforded districts, Sen. Diane Bilyeu, D-Pocatello, said schools are still getting just $308 million in this so-called "discretionary funding," down from $356 million in fiscal year 2010.

"We're shifting a reduced amount of money to the discretionary area for the school districts, but we are neglecting to tell the public what that really means," said Bilyeu. "We're balancing the state budget on the backs of the kids, and that is wrong."

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said that cuts in discretionary funding had been pegged at 32 percent before the talks in February resulted in agreements that reduced the decline to 13.5 percent. While many of Idaho's teachers will likely face pay cuts in 2011, Luna said the plan passed by budget writers provides assurances that no state-funded jobs need to be eliminated.

"Under the circumstances, I suspect it's the best we could do," Luna said. "It is going to be difficult for districts to manage. It's going to take a lot of cooperation from the adults."

Rep. Shirley Ringo, D-Moscow, proposed a resolution that sought to give more than $30 million in additional funding to schools. Her plan would have added to state tax audit staff to bring in $17 million in added revenue; eliminated $10 million from the planned expansion of the grocery tax credit; and delayed a 2009 law to consolidate Idaho elections that's due to cost $4.1 million.

But majority Republicans voted Ringo's resolution down, arguing it didn't belong in the budget committee and was more appropriately handled elsewhere in the Legislature.