The Georgia State House approved a budget increase of 5 billion dollars.

Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [time zone], [Full month name] [day], [year] ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia House of Representatives approved changes to the state budget on Wednesday that will add $5 billion in spending, including a wave of road construction, new dental and medical schools, as well as funds for bonuses for state employees and teachers.

"Five billion dollars. You can do a lot of good things for $5 billion," said Budget Committee Chairman Matt Hatchett of Dublin. "Not every item in the budget is glamorous, but I can tell you it's necessary."

The House voted 161-2 to pass a bill to add money to the current budget through June 30. The bill now heads to the Senate for its own changes.

Republican Governor Brian Kemp has proposed increasing state spending to $37.5 billion. Total expenditures, including federal aid, college tuition, fines, and fees, will rise to $67.5 billion.

Kemp would spend up to $2 billion of that surplus. Because lawmakers can't exceed Kemp's revenue estimate, lawmakers can only cut or reauthorize the governor's proposed spending. In some cases, the House has voted to bring back projects that Kemp initially removed from this year's budget, which drew anger among lawmakers. Kemp subsequently authorized some of those expenditures, and Hatchett said the House will continue to advocate for other items.

"Please understand, we're not done discussing this," Hatchett said.

Important points:

• The chamber approved changes to the state budget to add $5 billion.
• Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has proposed increasing state spending to $37.5 billion.
• The chamber supported the addition of funds for road construction, medical schools, and bonuses for public servants and teachers.