Senate Takes $930 Million Whack At Minnesota Budget Shortfall [AUDIO]

ST. PAUL (AP) -- Minnesota senators have pressed through a bill to slice $930 million from a much-larger state budget deficit.

On a party-line 37-27 vote Thursday, senators approved a bill that reduces aid to colleges, local governments and a range of public health programs.

Senator John Pederson of St. Cloud co-authored the bill.

The House passed a different version with deeper cuts last week.

The two Republican-led chambers must negotiation a common plan before the bill gets to Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.

While Dayton has objected to the chunk-at-a-time process, he hasn't said whether the bill would get vetoed should it reach him.

Minnesota lawmakers are coping with a $6.2 billion budget deficit for the two-year budget that begins in July.

Dayton presents his budget proposal on Feb. 15.