A 5.9 BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET BILL IS MOVING THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE.. THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED THE SPENDING PLAN AND SENT IT ON TO THE HOUSE FLOOR, WHERE IT WILL BE DEBATED LATER THIS WEEK.

IT DIFFERS FROM THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL IN THAT IT INCLUDES A ONE PERCENT PAY RAISE FOR STATE WORKERS AND TEACHERS. THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET CALLS FOR NO PAY HIKES. THE HOUSE PROPOSAL INCREASES SPENDING BY JUST OVER FOUR PERCENT.