INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – School spending is shaping up as a big focus of the 2015 legislative session after two years in which lawmakers spent more time on tax cuts.

The shift in priorities has shown up in legislative races across the state, where candidates have recently launched attack ads on the issue. It also reflects internal polling by both sides on the power of the issue.

It follows statewide cuts in education spending spurred by property tax caps and the recession. Overall spending dropped from $11.51 billion in 2009 to $11.49 billion in 2013.

Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma says tax cuts won't be considered during the session and that more dollars for the state's rural and suburban schools will be the focus.

Lawmakers and candidates first will have to survive Tuesday's elections.