ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Lawmakers in the state Senate and House are putting the finishing touches on their school spending packages, paving the way for a lengthy debate over cost and where that money should come from.

Education is one of the few issues so far where lawmakers have shown signs of agreement, but there's still a gulf of about $50 million between their proposals.

Senate Democrats are pushing for over $100 million in new spending and say that should come from Minnesota's $900 million surplus.

House Republicans are taking a more incremental approach, proposing the state dole out about $55 million. Their proposal would be offset by a plan to allow schools to pay back state loans more quickly.

The differences will be ironed out later this session in a joint committee.

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