(AP) — A bill that would keep some $35.7 million in state aid for Nebraska’s public schools has won first-round approval in the Legislature.

The bill that advanced Wednesday would increase state aid by about $35.7 million for fiscal year 2015. The state budget approved last year included $940 million for school aid in that period, based on estimates. But the current state aid formula calls for $900 million.

Sen. Kate Sullivan of Cedar Rapids, chairwoman of the Education Committee, says the bill would ensure roughly the same amount of funding for schools that was approved in the budget.

Supporters say increasing state aid helps reduce pressure on property taxes, though not all districts receive equalization aid.

Lawmakers voted 29-0 to advance the bill.