Topeka ? The Kansas House today approved a $610 million, three-year school finance plan crafted by Democrats and a group of Republicans who bolted from their leaders.

Opponents said the measure was fiscally irresponsible, but supporters said it would meet court-ordered school funding demands and help Kansas students.

“This satisfies the needs of our constituents, the needs of the children of the state, and the Supreme Court as well,” Rep. Ward Loyd, R-Garden City, said.

The Kansas Supreme Court has ordered lawmakers to increase funding to schools.

The House vote this morning was 64-61 to send the bill to the Senate. It followed an eight-hour debate that started Thursday night and ended earlier today.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius praised the work of the coalition and said lawmakers need to work on funding the measure. Tax increases are unlikely, and expansion of gambling failed earlier in the session in the Senate.

“Clearly we need a revenue source for the out years,” Sebelius said. “What we don’t have the luxury of doing is saying that we’re not going to deal with the most important job that the Legislature has, and that is to fund schools,” she said.