State Senate Passes Version Of Budget

Albany, NY (WIBX) - The state Senate has passed its 2012-2013 budget resolution.

Senator Joe Griffo says the resolution aims to control spending, avoid new taxes, fees and unfunded state mandates and helps create new jobs.

The Senate budget totals just under $132.5 billion, keeps the total state spending increase below two percent and spends slightly less than the Governor's Executive Budget.

Griffo says the budget closes a $2 billion deficit and builds on last year's successes in putting the state's fiscal house in order.  The state budget deadline is April 1st.