OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma House has approved a $7.1 billion bill to fund state government for the upcoming fiscal year, despite objections from Democrats and some Republicans who complained the measure doesn't provide enough money for public safety entities.
The House voted 59-40 on Thursday for the general appropriations bill that funds state agencies for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
The budget reflects an increase in spending by nearly $270 million over the current year's budget, with growth in funding focused mostly on education, health care and human services.
Members from both parties argued that the bill doesn't include pay raises for state prison workers and Highway Patrol troopers, but allocates $5 million for renovations and upgrades of legislative space at the Capitol.
