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JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (AP) -- Missouri Governor Matt Blunt is proposing a $121 million funding increase for public schools in 2008.

Blunt says the 4.3 percent increase would raise the total amount of basic state aid distributed to schools to almost $3 billion.

Besides basic aid, schools also get additional state money for early childhood programs, students with special needs and various other programs. Schools also receive federal and local tax dollars.

Blunt is to outline his entire state budget proposal to lawmakers in his January 15 State of the State address.

Missouri's next budget year begins July 1.

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