Democrats are criticizing a $27.7-billion Pennsylvania state spending plan written by majority Republicans as a gift to big business that will hurt public schools and lengthen waiting lines for social services.
 
The bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee on a party-line vote Wednesday morning after two hours of debate.
 
A floor vote isn't expected until Thursday, and it'll need Senate approval after that. Republicans are advancing the plan for the fiscal year that begins Sunday. It would increase spending by about 1.5-percent, largely for debt, pensions and health care for the poor.
 
Meanwhile, it would reduce businesses taxes, cut funding for county-run social services and eliminate a Depression-era cash benefit for poor adults who are unable to work. Financially ailing school districts would see a little extra money.