LITTLE ROCK-Arkansas lawmakers have given initial approval to legislation that outlines the state's proposed $5.7 billion budget for the coming year as they prepare to wrap up this year's session.
The House on Tuesday voted 90-5 to approve the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act, which calls for increasing state spending by $124 million in the fiscal year that begins July 1. The Senate unanimously approved an identical version of the bill previously.
The bulk of the spending increases proposed in the legislation would go toward the state's Medicaid program and public schools.
Both chambers are expected to give final approval to the legislation today.