![House GOP Finalizing Bid In Education Funding Debate](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2014/04/education_teaching1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
House GOP Finalizing Bid In Education Funding Debate
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Republicans in the Minnesota House are firming up their stance on one of the session's biggest issues: education.
A floor session on the GOP's education budget was expected to last hours Saturday. The House would spend about $157 million more on schools and families over the next two years. The bulk of that is in money districts can use however they like.
Democrats and education advocates say such a funding increase won't cover inflation and will lead to teacher layoffs and bigger class sizes. They argue more of Minnesota's projected $1.9 billion surplus should be earmarked for education.
The DFL-led Senate would more than double the House's increased education spending. Gov. Mark Dayton is cool to both plans because they leave out his $343 million proposal for statewide preschool.
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