The Iowa House and Senate have approved separate K-12 spending packages. The senate passed 4% allowable growth yesterday. A couple of week ago, the house approved an increase of 1.25% in funding for next school year. This will eventually be worked out by members of both sides in a conference committee.

Jarad Klein, State Representative for House District 78, says there isn’t enough money in the state budget to fund a 4% increase, so cuts would need to be made elsewhere to make it possible.

In a written statement, State Senator for District 39, Kevin Kinney, cited the need to keep up with expenses at the state’s school districts, calling the 1.25% increase inadequate.

To learn more about the process and Klein’s opinion on the matter, listen to our discussion with the Republican during today’s In Touch with Southeast Iowa.