Despite bleak fiscal conditions that could thwart some of their priorities, governors and state lawmakers--bolstered in some cases by new Republican majorities--are expected to press forward this year with ambitious education proposals that could include changing teacher job protections and expanding school choice. Newly elected and returning officeholders go to work this month as states struggle to climb out of the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression, with many warning that K-12 education--historically shielded from the budget ax--is likely to face severe cuts. While state tax revenues have improved somewhat recently, 15 states already have reported new budget shortfalls since the 2011 fiscal year began last summer, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. And states are likely to face continuing budget gaps over the next two years as well, according to the Denver-based research and policy organization. Some elected officials argue that states and school districts will have to do more to justify spending, with little public money available in the years ahead.