State budget moves forward
Posted: 05.26.2011 at 2:06 PM
Updated: 05.26.2011 at 3:45 PM
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LANSING (AP) -- The Republican-led Michigan Legislature has finished approving a new state budget that will cut state aid for education and many state departments.

The Senate approved the final two-bill package Thursday by votes of 27-17 and 23-15. The House approved the measures earlier in the afternoon.

The new budget year starts Oct. 1. The quick resolution of next year's budget is a victory for Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, who wanted lawmakers to wrap up votes by May 31.

Early completion of the budget gives school districts and local governments a good idea of what to expect from the state as they adopt their own budgets this summer.

Snyder on Wednesday signed a separate bill that cuts business taxes and raises income taxes on some Michigan residents.

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