TRENTON – Following futile talks with Governor Phil Murphy, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, the state Senate this evening proceeded with passage of its own $36.5 billion budget as an alternative to Murphy’s version.

The budget passed 21-17.

Republican Senators Kristin Corrado and Kip Bateman voted aye on the budget.

“Twenty-three million more to my school districts and plenty of other good things in the budget,” said Bateman. “Manville is finally getting the money [$10 million additional funding] they need.”

Democratic Senators Dick Codey, Nick Sacco, Nia Gill and Ronald Rice (pictured above) opposed it.

Brian Stack abstained.

Key Republicans also opposed the budget.

“This budget represents a missed opportunity to reduce the cost of government,” bemoaned state Senator Tony Bucco (R-25).

“This budget at the end of the day does nothing to make New Jersey more affordable,” said Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R-21).

As of 6:50 p.m., the senate awaited action by the Assembly as they prepared to vote on a separate, complementary bill that would hike the corporate business tax, a cornerstone of how Sweeney’s budget differs from Murphy’s.