Senate OKs $5.86 billion budget

Sen. Jane Kitchel, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. File photo by Mike Dougherty/VTDigger
The Senate gave preliminary approval on Friday to a $5.86 billion budget proposal that would prioritize spending on the state’s mental health system, restore funding to programs that serve vulnerable Vermonters and make investments in workforce development.Facing no debate on floor, the budget received unanimous support and is expected to pass on a second vote next week. Get all of VTDigg