DES MOINES — The Democratic-majority Senate approved a series of spending bills Wednesday, including a plan that would provide more money for higher education than the Republican-controlled House wants.
In a 26-24 vote, the Senate backed an education budget bill that would spend about $1 billion on state universities, community colleges and other programs, including early childhood education. GOP Gov. Terry Branstad has proposed a similar spending level.
Sen. Brian Schoenjahn, an Arlington Democrat, says the funding would support a third year of public university tuition freezes, which he said was important for Iowa families.
“I’ve heard time and time again about the crushing student debt that we have out there,” Schoenjahn said.
The Senate bill allocates about $48 million more than House Republicans say they want to spend. House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, a Republican from Hiawatha, contends schools could still freeze tuition if it were a priority.
The Board of Regents released a statement after the Senate vote, thanking them. Board President Bruce Rastetter said in the statement that the funding would guarantee the tuition freeze.
The bill now moves to the House, and lawmakers will have to work to find a middle ground.
By midweek, most budget bills had started moving through the Legislature. Lawmakers have been at odds over spending levels, with House Republicans seeking lower spending than Branstad or Senate Democrats.
Friday is the final day lawmakers will receive daily expense payments, but it does not appear the budget will be resolved by then.