Georgia Senate OKs record budget

The Georgia Senate Thursday overwhelmingly adopted a record $23.7 billion state budget for the coming fiscal year.

The budget, which passed 52-3, includes nearly $1 billion in new transportation spending, primarily from the $900 million transportation funding bill the General Assembly passed last year.

Senators also approved 3 percent pay raises for teachers and state employees recommended by Gov. Nathan Deal, with larger increases earmarked for workers in four state agencies that have experienced…