Topeka ? The House approved a proposed $11.3 billion state budget that meets Republican leaders’ goal of boosting spending on public schools without raising taxes.

• Critics said the spending plan approved by the House shorts state universities and could force tuition increases.

Also:

• The House gave first-round approval to a bill anti-abortion activists are pushing to set minimum health and safety standards for abortion clinics.
• Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, proposed a three-year, $495 million school finance plan relying on sales and income tax increases and expanded gambling.

Clock is ticking:

Friday was the 68th calendar day of the session, out of 90 scheduled.