LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky's budget bill is now headed to the full Senate after passing the House Thursday.

House Bill 500 would fund the state budget for the next two years, appropriating billions each fiscal year to the state executive branch.

Lawmakers say the budget calls for "an overall reduction in spending," but there are areas of the budget that "are exempt," including veterans affairs, SEEK, county costs, Medicaid benefits, behavioral health, family resource centers, youth service centers, juvenile justice, corrections, community services and local facilities.

The proposal calls for a 2% increase in SEEK funding in each fiscal year.

"Those increases are welcome, but they're just not enough to keep up with the rising cost and the growing expectations that we keep putting on our public schools and our staff," Rep. Adrielle Camuel, D-Lexington, said in a news release Thursday.

The debate in the House Thursday reportedly lasted for more than two hours, with some lawmakers calling for an increase in funding for public education, affordable housing, Medicaid and more.

Some have criticized the bill, saying it prioritizes tax cuts over services Kentuckians need. 

Republican lawmakers say it funds key areas like education, health care and public safety. They also say the budget process is far from over, but this is a strong next step.

An amendment to provide a salary increase for public school teachers and support staff failed, and an effort to limit spending on the state employee health insurance plan was also removed.

The bill passed the House by an 81-18 vote and now heads to the full Senate.

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