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DENVER—Colorado lawmakers are working to expand funding to help students who are learning English.

Pueblo Republican Rep. Clarice Navarro-Ratzlaff says she plans to introduce legislation next week that would change state law to increase funding to five years for students learning English. Currently, funding to help students lasts for two years.

Navarro-Ratzlaff says the current funding is not enough because only 1 percent of students reach English proficiency within two years.

Republicans say they’re working with Democrats on the measure. Democratic Rep. Crisanta Duran says she’s planning to introduce her own proposal, but is willing to work with Republicans.

Navarro-Ratzlaff’s bill would also direct state education officials to track the progress of English-language learners until they graduate from high school.