"I believe it's important for historical context for kids to understand the role the Bible played." Walters also said the state Education Department wants to protect teacher's rights, adding that his office is investigating complaints from parents of a teacher who was dismissed for expressing questions about God in the classroom.

If approved, Walters said the $3 million would be added to another $3 million the department has already dedicated to purchasing bibles for classrooms.

At Thursday’s State Board of Education meeting, State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced in his annual budget proposal $3 million was already being spent on classroom Bibles, and the board voted to ask the legislature for an additional $3 million.