The Republican-controlled Michigan Senate is passing a budget that would spend or allocate $542 million less than what has been proposed by Gov. Rick Snyder.
The $56 billion plan being approved Wednesday would spend $276 million less in general funds than Snyder proposed. Republicans for now also are not adding about $266 million to savings as called for by the Republican governor.
GOP leaders are setting money aside to potentially cut taxes or address debt in the school employees' retirement system — issues that could become part of negotiations in coming weeks.
In early voting Wednesday, Democrats accused Republicans of not adequately investing in environmental cleanup, much-needed state park improvements and the enforcement of lead limits in drinking water statewide after Flint's crisis.
The GOP-led House approved its plan Tuesday.
