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Lawmakers approve higher education budget plan

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Legislature has approved an education budget that includes some additional money for state universities, as lawmakers push to adjourn the session this week.

The Senate on Wednesday approved a $992.2 million education budget to cover state universities, community colleges and other programs, like early childhood education. The House approved the plan Tuesday.

The budget is an increase above the current education spending of $986 million. In addition, there will be more than $6 million of one-time expenditures in another bill for universities.

Lawmakers say they think the funding will be sufficient to maintain a third year of tuition freezes at the three state universities. Board of Regents spokeswoman Sheila Koppin says the board was not prepared to comment Wednesday.

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