MADISON, Wis. -- State funding for schools would increase less than 2 percent each of the next two years under a decision made on Tuesday by the state Legislature's budget-writing committee.

Despite the increase, the percentage of money coming from the state as a whole to meet school costs would actually be less.

Under the plan, the state would meet 65 percent of schools' costs next year and 64.9 percent the following year. This year, the state is meeting about 66 percent of school needs.

The funding level approved by the Joint Finance Committee on Tuesday is what Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle proposed.

Republicans failed in an attempt to reduce how much money schools could spend, which they said would result in lower property taxes.

The budget being written must pass the Legislature and be signed by Doyle before it becomes law.