OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — House lawmakers have given tentative approval to a state spending plan that cuts teacher pay and makes other massive reductions in education spending.
The measure passed Tuesday evening by a 54-42 margin, just hours after budget writers from both parties unveiled the plan.
Supporters of the measure acknowledge that the budget makes painful cuts, but they say it is sustainable and necessary during the economic downturn. Many Republicans voted against the plan, with some saying the spending was still excessive and others saying the cuts to education were unacceptable.
The budget includes a 1.9 decrease in teacher pay and a 3 percent salary cut for other K-12 workers.
The bill now moves to the Senate, which is expected to take it up on Wednesday.
