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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Senate has approved the state's $44.5 billion budget.
Senators voted 45-0 for the measure Thursday. The Senate also voted unanimously for a companion bill to balance the budget.
The legislation now goes to the House.
The budget includes plans to set aside $200 million to help pay for future recommendations of a state commission that is expected to call for raising education funding formulas.
The Democrat-controlled Senate restored $29 million for the new Prince George's Hospital Center. The Senate also included $15 million for behavioral health providers who serve people with development disabilities.
Budget negotiations were eased this year by a roughly $400 million upward revision of revenue estimates.
The spending plan is for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
