PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Senate Finance Committee needed all of about 18 minutes on Wednesday night to discuss and approve an $8.2-billion state budget for the fiscal year that begins on Monday.

The vote was 9 to 1, with 1 abstention.

All members praised the effort that went into the budget, which was passed by the state House of Representatives just minutes before.

But Sen. David Bates, R-Barrington, who abstained, said he is concerned about the $2.5 million payment for 38 Studios bonds that is included and believes the state should study the issue more before deciding whether to pay back the bondholders.

Sen. Edward O'Neill, I-Lincoln, said he, too, had concerns and could not vote in favor.

The budget now goes before the full Senate on Thursday.