Arkansas lawmakers have given final legislative approval to the state's $5.3 billion budget for the coming year and are now preparing for another session on highway funding.
The Senate on Thursday approved the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act, which sets spending priorities based on expected revenues. The measure passed on a 23-9 vote in the Senate. The House later passed an identical version of the bill by an 87-5 margin.
The proposed budget calls for a $142.7 million increase in state spending, with most of that tabbed for Medicaid, the child welfare system and public schools.
Lawmakers are expected to formally adjourn this year's fiscal session on Monday and plan to return later this month for another session focused on Gov. Asa Hutchinson's proposal to boost funding for the highway system.
