AUSTIN (AP) - A proposed $195.5 billion state budget is headed to the Texas Senate for approval.

The Republican-controlled chamber on Wednesday is expected vote on the two-year budget that restores some of the $5.4 billion slashed from public schools in 2011. It’s the first budget bill to reach the floor of the Senate or House since the Legislature convened in January.

Senate Democrats are unlikely to let the bill pass quietly. They want classrooms to receive more than the $1.4 billion in additional education spending that budget-writers added during negotiations.

The Senate budget bill also beefs up spending for mental health services and state parks. But critics say it still falls short of keeping pace with a booming Texas population.

Budget-writers in the House are expected to unveil its version Thursday.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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