LANSING, MI (AP)-- The Michigan Senate has approved $53.9 billion in budget bills setting spending for state departments and public education.
A bill setting $15.9 billion in spending for K-12 schools, community colleges and universities passed mostly along party lines Tuesday.
Minority Democrats who opposed the bill failed to win several amendments. They say it unfairly shifts money from K-12 education to community colleges and universities.
Another bill setting $38 billion in spending for state departments was approved 23-15.
The Republican-led House approved its version of the two plans last week mostly along party lines.
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 Tuesday and once legislators receive revised revenue projections in mid-May.