RALEIGH - A 20 billion dollar spending plan that passed the Senate on Thursday is being criticized by Democrats for underfunding education and social programs.

Senator Earline Parmon says the budget bill is bad for state workers and law enforcement officers.

"This budget did not look at any increase for state employees, nor the highway patrol. And I think that's a real concern when we talk about public safety."

The Senate budget also did not include compensation for victims of the state’s forced sterilization program.