SALEM, Ore. -- The Oregon House joined the Senate Thursday, voting to override the governor's veto of a school-funding plan.

The House overrode Kulongoski's veto 51-8 Thursday afternoon.

For nearly two weeks now, the governor and legislative leaders have been at odds over how to pay for Oregon schools.

Both sides wanted to give the schools $6 billion but leave some of that money in reserve in case the economy keeps sputtering.

Democratic legislators want to spent $5.8 billion now, leaving $200 million for next year if the economy strengthens. Kulongoski wanted an initial allocation of $5.6 billion, leaving $400 million in reserve.

It was the first overturned veto out of 18 in the legislature.

School districts await lawmakers

The Senate voted to override the Kulongoski vetoes, which were directed at two bills -- Bill 5520, the budget bill, and another to access the state's Rainy Day reserves.

Several members of the Ways and Means Committee and others changed their votes as the Senate failed, then succeeded in overriding the governor's veto pen.

The House will need to vote to override the veto it as well.

Sen. David Nelson, a Pendleton Republican who switched from yes to no on the budget, said the Wednesday morning vote surprised Republicans. They believed they were still negotiating with Democrats for their support on the override.

Kulongoski: Shaky economy requires reserves

Kulongoski vetoed the Democrats' spending plan Tuesday, saying it leaves the state without adequate reserves.

Nelson said there's still a chance Republicans could reverse their vote if negotiations resume.

The Governor vetoed the funding bill Tuesday, citing concerns over a shortfall of revenue.

"I cannot supprt any bill that reduces our reserves to a level that puts the economic and financial stability of our state at risk," wrote the Governor in explaining his veto.

The Oregon House had passed a $5.8 billion school-funding plan, setting the legislation on course for a battle with the governor over reserve fund money.

Legislators and Gov. Ted Kulongoski are at odds about how much money K-12 ought to get. The Legislature has approved a plan that grants schools $5.8 billion with an additional $200 million next year if economic conditions are right.

The governor has endorsed a plan that sets aside $5.6 billion initially, with $400 million contingent on the economy.

In a letter Monday, the governor reiterated his plan to veto the funding package.

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The governor wants to retain the $200 million in a reserve fund totaling $700 million -- in case state revenue projections do not meet their goals.

“I hope that I am wrong. I hope that the revenues hold and in February 2010 when the legislature reconvenes, we are investing in education, not cutting it. However, we must have a responsible level of reserves to accomplish that goal,” he wrote.