Federal stimulus dollars and a recent pension funding change have allowed West Virginia's Senate to tweak the upcoming state budget by $248 million.

But the amended budget bill unanimously passed Wednesday still cuts general revenue spending by $47 million from what the Legislature passed last year.

Gov. Joe Manchin proposed a spending plan that totaled around $11.3 billion. It included $3.7 billion backed by general tax revenues, $525 million from lottery proceeds and $4.3 billion from federal dollars.

The Senate added $266 million in stimulus-related funds, while reducing pension charges to reflect a recent state retirement board decision.

The House Finance Committee also advanced a budget bill Wednesday. The new budget would take effect July 1.

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