State Senate passes budget

PROVIDENCE—Rhode Island’s multibillion-dollar budget now goes to the governor.

The state Senate passed the $7.76 billion budget after an eight-hour debate Friday night. The budget will now go to Gov. Don Carcieri for his signature or veto.

The governor’s spokeswoman said no decision will be made befere Monday.

Work in the Senate is still not done. Senate spokesman Greg Pare said that the Senate will re-convene next week, but a day has not yet been decided.

Meanwhile, the House ended its Friday night session shortly after 1 a.m. House Speaker Willaim Murphy said lawmakers will take some time off before coming back to tackle pending legislation. 

According to Murphy, he sees the House coming back in September.