Michigan House Committee OKs $15.8 Billion School Budget

LANSING (AP) - The Michigan House Appropriations Committee has passed a $15.8 billion budget bill setting spending for the state's schools, universities and community colleges.

The bill was approved 17-12 Thursday along party lines.

Minority Democrats opposing the budget said it gives more to certain school districts while not doing enough to help others.
The Republican-led Senate's budget committee approved its version of the school spending plan Wednesday.

Also Wednesday, the House budget committee passed a $37.8 billion general budget bill setting spending for state departments. The Senate budget committee version moved Tuesday.

Legislative leaders seek to complete next fiscal year's budget by early June. The budget could change drastically if voters approve a sales tax hike for road improvements on May 5 and once legislators get revised revenue projections in mid-May.