HELENA — A GOP-led budget panel on Tuesday evening rejected Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock’s $37 million proposal for public preschool programs in Montana.

The House Appropriations Committee voted down the plan 12-8 along party lines.

Under the program known as Early Edge, grants would be available to public school districts —$30,000 for every 10 students— to create or expand preschool programs in the next two years. If districts choose to seek grant money, they could create their own preschool program, partner with an existing one or combine the two.

The plan was included in House Bill 2, the main budget measure.

Rep. Roy Hollandsworth said the vote was not about the preschool program but about keeping education spending increases low.

“There are some other places where a little bit of money would go a long way,” the Republican from Brady said.

Bullock said in a statement after the vote investment in early learners is clear and that it’s good for families, communities and the economy.

“The fact that the Republicans in control of the House Appropriations Committee refuse to invest in our children’s future, and our state’s future, is short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible.”

Montana is one of only six states without any state investment in preschool programs.

House Bill 2 is expected to make it to the House floor for a vote next week. Democratic Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau said she believes supporters will try again at that time to add the preschool proposal into the budget.

Once the bill passes through the House, it will head to the Senate for consideration. Lawmakers could choose to add preschool funding at that point, although Republicans hold the majority in that chamber as well.