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Arkansas Lawmakers Handed Bill Outlining $4.9 Billion Budget

Arkansas Capitol

Arkansas lawmakers are considering boosting funding for public schools and Medicaid while also giving state employees a 2 percent cost-of-living raise under legislation outlining the state's proposed $4.9 billion budget for the coming year.  

Legislators were handed copies Thursday night of the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act, the budget bill for the state. The measure prioritizes spending based on expected revenue and is scheduled to go before the Joint Budget Committee Friday. 

The legislation is nearly identical to the budget that Gov. Mike Beebe proposed late last year. Most of the funding increases would go toward filling a projected shortfall in the Medicaid program and toward the state's public schools.  

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the proposal early next week.