DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Minimum pay for entry level teachers in Iowa would rise from $28,000 to $35,000 annually under a new education plan from Gov. Terry Branstad.  Branstad unveiled the proposal, which will need support from state legislators, on Monday. The plan also includes tuition assistance for some aspiring teachers and pay bumps for teachers who take on more responsibilities.

Branstad says the plan would cost $187 million over the next five years. It will be paid for through the state budget surplus of nearly $1 million.  Branstad called the plan “transformational reform” and expressed hope that it would receive support from legislators. Lawmakers begin the Iowa legislative session Monday, with Branstad set to release his full budget Tuesday.