ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia House has passed a state spending plan that narrows previous years' cuts to public education spending and hires more child protection workers.

Thursday's 171-2 vote sends the $44.6 billion state and federal budget to the Senate.

House members backed Gov. Nathan Deal's restoration of school spending cuts, though the total is still about $500 billion short of funding recommendations. They also gave judges on the Supreme and Appeals courts a $12,000 salary boost.

But they did not follow Deal's recommendation to eliminate state insurance coverage for some part-time school employees including bus drivers. They also cut low interest student loans.

The state ethics commission would get about $355,000 to add attorneys and investigators — less than Deal's request of about $1 million.

The fiscal year starts July 1.