Speaking before the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, Palatka Rep. Joe Pickens urged the members to put before voters a constitutional amendment that would address what critics say are unreasonable, unflexible standards for the state's previously approved class size amendment.

"I'm not here saying we can't afford it, but I think we shouldn't afford. it," said the Republican, pointman on education issues in his chamber. "I think we could spend the money giving teachers higher salaries."

He asked the commission to "ask the voters...for something much more practical, and much more reasonable."

Meanwhile, House Rep. David Simmons' committee just put together proposed legislation to make the class size calculations more flexible.