ATLANTA (AP) A budget plan that includes raises for thousands of state employees, including those at law enforcement agencies, is heading to the Georgia House and Senate.
Budget negotiators met briefly Tuesday morning to unveil their final recommendations. Previous versions approved separately by the House and Senate have totaled about $47 billion and included money for local school districts to give raises to their teachers.
Lawmakers' only constitutional responsibility is approving a budget before adjourning for the year. Thursday is the final day of the legislative session.
Georgia's improving economy has allowed lawmakers to focus on where to spend money, rather than the cuts required during the Great Recession.
Once lawmakers approve the budget, it goes to Gov. Nathan Deal. Deal can then accept, reject or revise it.