INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana legislators have passed the proposed two year budget with overwhelming bipartisan support.

On Thursday, the Indiana House approved the budget by a 96-2 vote and the Indiana Senate by a vote of 46-3. Though written by Republicans, the budget received praise from many Democrats, who cited education funding not seen in recent years as a primary reason for their support. School funding will increase by about 4.5 percent, which was more than what budget negotiators initially proposed. The extra money was allocated after revised forecasts showed higher-than-expected revenue for the state, based on increased tax collections.

The budget also includes money for numerous economic grant programs and construction projects drawing on $3 billion the state is receiving from the federal coronavirus relief program. The budget now heads to Governor Eric Holcomb, who is expected to sign it.