![ogden_FinanceComm_Feat](https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ogden_FinanceComm_Feat.jpg)
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The Associated Press and Texas State Networks contributed to this story.
Thanks to a special rule available only on Wednesdays in the Texas Senate, final approval has been given to a budget for the next two years.
Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden of Bryan, a Republican, says a divide with Democrats is weakening the Senate’s case.
Comments from Steve Ogden.
Ogden stripped money from the Rainy Day Fund to win support from fellow Republicans.
Ogden says the divide over the budget has been disheartening.
More from Senator Ogden.
The plan makes about $11 billion in cuts, compared to the current budget. But the cuts are much less severe than those in the bare-bones House version.
Public schools and Medicaid providers, including nursing homes, would take the brunt of the cuts.
Normally a two-thirds majority is necessary in the chamber to begin debate on a bill. But on a special rule for House bills on Wednesdays, Republicans brought up the spending plan without Democratic support with only a simple majority. They then quickly approved the budget on a 19-12 vote.