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Budget Bill
14/01/2009
MSPs in the Holyrood Parliament today voted to pass Stage One of the Scottish Government's Budget Bill by 107 votes to 16 - a majority of 91.
Finance Sceretary John Swinney said:
"I welcome Parliament's backing for the general principles of the Budget Bill. This is a positive step towards delivering the vital spending plans which will support Scottish economic recovery - including accelerated spending of £230 million, which will support 4,700 jobs across Scotland.
"I reiterate that this Government will listen to and consider any reasonable proposals on the budget that will help the Scottish economy recover. It is now crucial that we work together across the Parliament as the Budget Bill moves forward. In these tough economic times, the people of Scotland expect and demand nothing less from their Government and their Parliament."