CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Gov. John Lynch says he plans to push again for a constitutional amendment on education funding when the Legislature returns to Concord next month.

Lynch says he favors an amendment that would let the state direct school aid to towns that need it most.

“It’s a policy that is consistent with that which is followed in 45 other states in the country,” Lynch said.

The state Senate approved such an amendment last session, but it was defeated by a more than 2-to-1 margin in the House. It takes a 60 percent vote of the Legislature to advance an amendment to voters, where it needs to win two-thirds approval.

After its vote, the House took a parliamentary step meant to block consideration of the education amendment again until 2009. However, Lynch said he has talked with legislative leaders about bringing an amendment back for next month.

The state Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that the state is responsible for providing an adequate education to all children. A special legislative committee developing a price tag for an adequate education is expected to wrap up its work by February.

Lynch said that regardless of what the committee decides, an amendment will still be needed to direct more state aid to the needy communities.

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Information from: New Hampshire Union Leader, http://www.unionleader.com

AP-ES-12-12-07 1644EST