New York, NY —

Lawmakers have approved a $122 billion budget for New York State. It came nine days late and despite warnings of an economic slowdown, the budget increases total spending by nearly 5 percent over last year’s budget.

Some details include $1.8 billion more for education. That's a hike of about 9 percent and a state record. Lawmakers will divvy up $170 million for "pork projects" in their home districts. And S-CHIP, the children's health insurance program got full funding.

Karen Dewitt has been keeping a close watch over the budget process and she joins us now.