LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan lawmakers are taking significant steps toward passing the next state budget, expected to total about $48 billion.
The Republican-controlled House on Wednesday approved all spending for schools and colleges, which would get an overall 2 percent funding boost. Democrats said it's not enough.
The House also passed a budget for the rest of state government along party lines.
The GOP-led Senate was approving about half its budget plan, with plans to complete the rest next week.
The moves set the stage for negotiations in May with a goal of finishing by June. Republicans so far have no plans to back Governor Rick Snyder's call to make more residents eligible for government-funded health insurance. They also oppose his calls for higher gasoline taxes and license plate fees to maintain roads.