Caucus-members in the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved the budget for Idaho’s public schools on Monday.

The $2.2 billion budget would be a six percent increase in funding for public schools in grades kindergarten through 12th grade.

The budget funds the fifth and final year of a program that has, and will continue to, boost teacher pay. It also gives administrators and staff a raise, along with paying for Gov. Brad Little’s literary proficiency program. The budget also increases discretionary funding by almost $1,000 per classroom.

This would be for fiscal year 2020. The group of seven bills passed unanimously. They must now pass the House and Senate, and be approved by Governor Little.