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Colorado Budget Written, Heads For Debate In House

DENVER (AP) -- Colorado budget writers finished the aptly named "Long Bill" with more funds this year for education, colleges, and seniors.

The bipartisan Joint Budget Committee unanimously approved the state's spending package Friday. The budget is being introduced in the Republican-controlled House Wednesday and will later head to the Democratic-led Senate.

Public schools are not facing cuts for the first time in years and the often-slashed higher education department is faring better, too. The proposed cut to public colleges this year is just under $6 million. Schools comprise about 40 percent of the budget and colleges about 9 percent.

The bulk of the rest of the budget goes to prisons and human services, including mandatory spending on Medicaid.

Some seniors will also get a break on their property taxes.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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