The general state funding increase would be the lowest in at least five years; Republicans say the proposals are sustainable, while Democrats say they are woefully inadequate

Iowa House Republicans approved a bill to increase state funding to public schools by 2.25 percent and appropriate a one-time payment of $22.6 million to schools, a measure they say is aimed at helping schools cope with inflation.

Lawmakers are seeking to meet a deadline in Iowa law to set school funding levels within 30 days of receiving the governor's budget.

Iowa schools now have an idea about how much money they’ll receive from state taxpayers from the coming year, but not exactly. Thursday afternoon, the Iowa House passed a 2.25% increase in state funding for public schools.

Iowa Senate lawmakers approved a bill to increase state funding to public schools by 2 percent, conflicting with an increase of 2.25 percent bill advancing in the House. The Senate bill, Senate File 167,

Democrats and education advocates said the funding proposal will mean property tax increases in many Iowa communities.