Georgia Capitol building

The Georgia House has passed a state spending plan that narrows the previous years' cuts to public education spending and hires more child protection workers.

The vote on Thursday sends the $44.6 billion budget to the Senate.

House members backed Gov. Nathan Deal's restoration of school spending cuts, though the total is still about $500 billion short of funding recommendations. They also gave judges on the Supreme and Appeals courts a $12,000 salary boost.

But they did not follow Deal's recommendation to eliminate state insurance coverage for some part–time school employees including bus drivers.

They also cut low-interest student loans.

The state ethics commission would get money to add attorneys and investigators, but it would be less than half of Governor Deal's request.

The fiscal year starts July 1.

Tags: house passes spending plan, house passes budget, georgia budget 2015