DES MOINES (KWWL) -
The Iowa Senate has approved spending an additional $122 million on local elementary and secondary schools for the school year beginning in 2013.
The Senate approved the $2.8 billion measure Tuesday on a 26-23 party-line vote. Democrats favored the move and Republicans opposed it. It also contains $5.5 million for preschool programs, which have been a hot topic over the last few years.
The bill will now move on the Republican controlled House where it is unlikely to be debated this year.
Gov. Terry Branstad and GOP lawmakers say they have approved a two-year budget that includes the 2012-2013 school year. They say they'll wait until the next legislative session to discuss the following year's funding.
Cedar Rapids superintendent Dave Benson says April is a crucial month for making key budget decisions and Senate Democrats say a 2013 budget would allow schools to plan ahead.
