DENVER - The House overwhelmingly passed a state budget Friday that cuts $800 million to deal with the recession.
The 50-13 vote happened a day after Democrats and Republicans reached an agreement that avoids major cuts to colleges.
Instead, the budget relies on furloughing state employees, suspending the senior property tax exemption and cutting payments to doctors who care for the poor and elderly.
The last cut has health-care advocates angry.
"We decided after higher ed screamed and put on the pressure that we're going to go after health care," said Jennifer Miles, a spokeswoman for several groups that oppose the cuts to medical provider rates.
The House and Senate now have to resolve the differences in their versions of the budget. Lawmakers want to get a final version to the governor by Wednesday.
A balanced budget also will require the repeal of tax credits for food sold from vending machines and cigarettes. A House panel delayed voting on the cigarette tax break until Tuesday.
jhanel@durangoherald.com
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