State Senate passes its own budget fix

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The state Senate has approved its version of a plan to close Wisconsin's $527 million budget shortfall.

Senate Majority Leader Sen. Russ Decker, D-Weston, says the plan offered by Democrats reduces state spending and protects the people of Wisconsin.

He says it will tighten the state's belt but it also protects essential state services.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, attacked the plan during Tuesday's floor session for eliminating tax incentives for businesses and including a hospital tax.

Fitzgerald says it amounts to a $0.5 billion tax increase, and just sets up the Legislature for a long budget fight.

The Senate and Assembly have now passed conflicting budget repair bills.

Gov. Jim Doyle has expressed concerns about aspects of both plans, which differ from legislation he offered to close the budget gap.

The measure is expected to go to a conference committee before the differences are resolved.

Tags: wisconsinnews, senate, budgetfix, approved