DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Senate committee has approved a bill that would offer additional preschool funding for 4-year-olds in Iowa who have limited proficiency in English. The Appropriations Committee voted 18-3 Tuesday for the bill to advance for consideration in the full Senate. The Senate Education Committee voted in support of the bill last month.

The legislation would provide additional funding for students with limited proficiency in English who are enrolled in the statewide preschool program. Sen. Liz Mathis, a Democrat from Robins leading the bill, says it would cost the state about $800,000 in the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2016.

Sen. Julian Garrett, an Indianola Republican, voted against the bill after expressing concern about the cost. Mathis says additional funding will allow more resources for students with greater needs.