(Radio Iowa) -Republicans in the Iowa House and Senate have narrowed their differences as they negotiate state spending for the budgeting year that begins July 1st.  Republican Governor Kim Reynolds and Senate Republicans have agreed on a nine-point-four BILLION dollar spending plan. House Republicans propose spending about 36 million dollars more. House G-O-P leaders say their plan is carefully crafted to maintain some previous commitments, including more state funds to raise pay for para educators and increased funding for community colleges.

The Senate’s Republican leader says their plan — which has the backing of Governor Reynolds — is a conservative budget that ensures the long-term sustainability of recent state income tax cuts.

Senate Republicans are debating over a dozen policy bills later this (Monday) afternoon and then plan to debate bills later this week that spell out state spending for state agencies and the state court system. The House has no debate scheduled today (Monday).