Senate quickly, easily backs its budget proposal

BATON ROUGE - With little disagreement or haggling, senators have agreed on their version of a $29 billion plan to finance Louisiana state government agencies next year.The proposal would shield public colleges, the TOPS free college tuition program, state prisons and the child welfare agency from cuts. It would spend more money than the House's budget recommendation.House Republicans proposed to spend $206 million less than the state income forecast predicts will be available, as a cus