ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota lawmakers have sent a $900 million package of budget cuts to Gov. Mark Dayton, risking a veto.

The bill passed the Senate 37-28 on Thursday, after clearing the House 68-61 a day earlier.

The Democratic governor has criticized the cuts as a piecemeal approach to solving a projected $6.2 billion deficit.

The package would cut state allowances for cities and counties, public colleges and social service programs, while requiring the executive branch to eliminate another $100 million in state spending before July.

Majority Republicans say they aim to start downsizing the deficit immediately, while Democrats are predicting the reductions will drive up property taxes and tuition while cutting aid to needy groups such as abused children.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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