Arkansas lawmakers approve $5 billion budget measure

Arkansas lawmakers have approved a $5 billion budget for the coming year that boosts funding for the state's public schools and prisons as the Legislature nears the end of this year's session.

The House and Senate on Tuesday approved identical versions of the state's budget bill known as the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act.

The Senate voted 34-1 for it while the House vote was 90-8.

Final votes on the bill are expected in both chambers Wednesday before the Legislature adjourns.

The proposal increases state spending $108 million, with $65 million of that to go to the state's public schools. It also increases money for the state prison system and reimbursements to county jails for housing state prisoners.

Lawmakers finalized the budget last week after reauthorizing the state's compromise Medicaid expansion.

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