State reps torn on education spending

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Indiana state lawmakers narrowly avoided a shutdown with only a few hours to spare Tuesday night.

Governor Mitch Daniels signed a two-year, $27.8 billion budget shortly after house and senate lawmakers passed it.

"I feel like it was the best budget that we could come together on and make compromises on under the situation that we're in. And the most important thing is that we did protect Hoosier taxpayers from tax increases and that was an absolute must," State Rep. Bruce Borders said.

The governor said the budget increases overall spending for public schools at a time when many states are cutting funding for education. Democrat House Speaker Patrick Bauer said he wished more money was spent on education.