DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The state teachers’ union wants lawmakers to approve legislation that would increase state aid to school districts for the coming school year. A staffer for the Iowa State Education Association told senators at a subcommittee meeting Wednesday that one rural district would likely have to layoff teachers if lawmakers don’t increase aid to schools. Democratic lawmakers have proposed a 4 percent increase in state support to school districts, putting them in conflict with Gov. Terry Branstad. The governor is pushing for passage of changes to Iowa’s education system before considering state aid.

The Democratic-controlled Senate is expected to vote on their school funding plan next week. Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled House say they will take up the governor’s plan first, or at the same time as school funding.