Iowans have counted on great public schools to educate our kids and be the heart of our communities for generations.

This week, Iowa lawmakers are voting on a bill to decide how much money the state will invest in public schools next year.

Democratic lawmakers have proposed to boost support for public education by $315 million next year, which is an increase of about 5%.

The Governor and Senate GOP lawmakers want an increase of just 2% for public schools next year while the House GOP wants 2.25%. It won't even cover the rising costs schools are facing and it means more cuts on the way.

After a decade of low funding for public schools, it's just unacceptable.

Worse yet, the Governor and GOP lawmakers plan to give private schools a 44% increase in state funding next year. That means vouchers will cost Iowans $315 million next year and over $1 billion in just the first four years since it began.

State lawmakers are entrusted with taxpayer dollars and their commitment must be to public schools first.

Here's the bottom line: public school kids deserve at least the same increase of $315 million that the Governor wants to give private schools.

Public money is for public schools.