Ind. Senate approves 2-year budget bill

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The special session of the General Assembly continues despite a Republican effort to close it out.

On Tuesday, a Republican budget bill passed the Indiana Senate with a vote of 33 to 17. But Republicans and Democrats are no closer to the final compromise required to avoid a government shutdown.

"I don't want to hear no BS in reference to saying its someone else's fault," said Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago).

Republicans defended the governor's call for a billion dollar surplus and their passage of an emergency spending plan.

"You get people saying, oh, he's going to shut down this state and then he does the checkmate on him and you say you're giving him too much power. If you're going to demagogue on this issue please make up your mind," said Sen. Brent Steele (R-Bedford).

No sooner did the budget pass than Republicans from both Houses in the General Assembly stood together in an effort to call off further negotiations.

"The vote of a handful of House Democrats on the House floor today can bring this legislature to an end," said Rep. Brian Bosma (R-Minority Leader).

But, Democrats upset over cuts to some school districts want the special session to continue.

"Education in peril, jobs in peril. We'll continue to fight for jobs and education," said Rep. Pat Bauer (D-House Speaker).

"This is a fight worth fighting. I'm willing to stay and put in the effort," said Sen. Vi Simpson (D-Minority Leader).

The Indiana Senate also passed an emergency spending bill that is an alternative to a new budget. Speaker Bauer said the House won't consider it so the budget is now the only game in town. A budget conference committee will meet on Wednesday.