DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Senate Democrats have given preliminary approval to legislation that would boost school funding above the level sought by the governor. A set of education funding bills received subcommittee approval in the Democratic-majority Senate Wednesday. Under the proposal, school aid would increase by more than $200 million for the upcoming school year. That’s more than double the amount supported by the Republican-controlled House and by Gov. Terry Branstad. The legislation will now move to the full Senate Education Committee for review.

Lawmakers say the schools need more support. Sen. Tod Bowman, a Democrat from Maquoketa, says the state must do better for students. Legislators will have to work to find a compromise. House Republicans contend the state cannot afford a significant increase for schools, given existing budget commitments.