ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Minnesota house has passed a budget for public schools and universities.

The legislation approved Monday is the first in a series of slim spending packages in the House as legislative leaders aim to save the state's $900 million budget surplus for tax cuts and road and bridge repairs.

The education budget would add an extra $55 million to public school funding to boost teacher diversity and some early learning programs. That's less than half the size of the Democratic-majority Senate's plan. It passed 84-46.

House Democrats call it a missed opportunity. House Minority Leader Paul Thissen says the Legislature should tap the surplus to boost preschool options and offer tuition relief to college students.

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