The House has approved an $18 billion budget that funnels additional money to hospitals that care for large numbers of poor patients.

Lawmakers adopted the spending plan 136-29 on Thursday. It moves $14 million to so-called disproportionate share hospitals, many of them in rural areas around the state.

A large portion of that money was taken from the One Georgia Authority, a key initiative of former Gov. Sonny Perdue which provides economic development help to rural parts of Georgia.

The plan also eliminates six state-funded crime victims advocates and closes two youth detention centers. It restores some cuts to Meals on Wheels for senior citizens.

The amended budget covers the fiscal year that ends June 30. It now moves to the state Senate.

Tags: Georgia, lawmakers, General Assembly, state Capitol, hospitals, rural Georgia, amended budget