LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas lawmakers have given initial approval to the state's proposed $5.3 billion budget for the coming year, along with an effort to impose new limits on how welfare benefits are spent.
The House and Senate on Wednesday approved identical versions of the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act, which sets spending priorities based on expected revenues. Both chambers are expected to give final legislative approval to the measure before recessing Thursday.
The House approved the bill on an 85-7 vote, while it passed the Senate 25-6.
The House also passed a measure requiring the state to seek permission to impose restrictions on how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits are spent. The proposal was part of the budget for the Department of Workforce Services and now heads to the Senate.
Check back with Arkansas Online for updates and read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.