NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Gov. Phil Bredesen's proposal to spend $25 million to increase pre-kindergarten classrooms across Tennessee is advancing in the Legislature.

The measure is part of the governor's $4.97 billion budget for elementary and secondary education that was approved by the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.

The money is expected to pay for 250 new pre-K classes. The Democratic governor has said he wants to grant universal access to pre-K programs before he leaves office in 2010.

Bruce Opie, legislative director for the Tennessee Department of Education, says he's hopeful the $25 million will remain intact as the budget continues through the legislative process.

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