Senate Democrats push 4 percent increase for schools in fiscal 2014

Senate Democrats on Wednesday pushed for a 4 percent boost in “allowable growth” for schools in fiscal 2014.

Republicans, however, responded with skepticism to the plan, as prospects rose for another legislative budget battle.

The Democratic proposal would increase state aid by $240 per student. That would raise average state spending to $6,241 for each student enrolled in the school year beginning July 1, 2013.

Iowa's K-12 public school districts did not receive an increase in state funding for the current fiscal year; however, Gov. Terry Branstad and the split-control Legislature agreed to a 2 percent increase for fiscal 2013, which begins July 1.

The allowable growth portion of the Democrats' proposal would cost the state $142.6 million. An additional $14.6 million would be sought for class-size reduction, professional development and other educational programs.

Rep. Scott Roecker, R-Urbandale, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said Republicans plan to set their fiscal 2013 spending targets soon.

Roecker did say, however, that the party supports Branstad's call to repeal a law that requires the state to establish the per-pupil state aid level nearly 18 months in advance. He also said education reform costs could affect the Fiscal 2014 allowable growth formula.