DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa Republicans appear united in proposing about $32 million in new funding toward the state’s roughly $3.2 billion K-12 education budget.
A GOP-controlled Senate education committee voted 9-6 Thursday for the 1 percent increase. Data shows per-pupil spending would go up by $67, totaling $6,731.
The vote comes one day after the education committee in the Republican-majority House approved a similar measure. The funding, for the budget year beginning in July, is expected to be finalized next week.
The amount is less than the $54 million increase proposed recently by Gov. Kim Reynolds. It’s also less than the $40 million in extra funding approved last year.
Republicans say the funding is adequate amid budget constraints. Democrats argue it’s not enough to prevent bigger classroom sizes and reduced staffing.
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