By JOHN MILBURN ~ Associated Press

TOPEKA (AP) – The Kansas Senate has approved a $14.4 billion state budget for the next fiscal year after adding money for public schools and property tax relief.

Wednesday’s 34-5 vote sends the bill to the House, where a separate spending plan for the fiscal year that starts in July is awaiting debate.

Senators amended the budget to add $50 million to increase base state aid for schools, plus $27 million to equalize school aid payments among poorer districts. Language authorizing the increases is in another bill already approved by the Senate but still pending in the House.

The Senate also added $45 million for cities and counties to reduce property taxes. The money restores a revenue-sharing program that began in 1938 but was suspended in 2002 when the state faced financial difficulties.