School-BusGovernor Terry Branstad is predicting legislators will have a tough time making a school funding decision this year.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen quickly because there’s some big issues to be resolved,” Branstad told Radio Iowa during an interview Thursday.

Legislative leaders from both parties have been saying they hope to strike a quick compromise on school funding for the academic year that starts this fall. Branstad says budget realities may prevent that.

“There’s some big issues to be resolved,” Branstad said. “…This is a tough year, financially.”

House Republicans propose a two percent boost in general state aid for K-12 public schools in Iowa. Branstad last month recommended nearly half a percent more than that.

Democrats who control the Iowa Senate are seeking a four percent increase. Last year, the legislature made its decision about school funding in June — about four weeks before the budgeting year began.