The state Legislature voted Monday evening to adopt a plan that will overhaul how the state government subsidizes local schools, after debating the plan throughout the day.

Lawmakers in Trenton debated a slew of bills on the final full day of the legislative session Monday, Gov. Jon Corzine?s school funding formula plan. The plan calls for a minimum 2 percent increase in funding for every district and up to 20 percent more for some. The schools will be assigned funding levels based on factors such as scores and special education.

The state Senate approved the measure 23-8, some five hours after debate began on the Senate floor. The Assembly passed the bill 41-36.

Many families from the state?s lowest income districts were at the Statehouse hoping to convince lawmakers to vote against the plan. They say Corzine?s plan will take funds away from their schools.

Supporters of the plan say the courts won?t allow such funding to decrease. ?There's a commitment to keeping New Jersey's schools the best in the country. We're not going to slight anyone. We can't slight anyone," Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-3rd District) said.

AP wire reports contributed to this article.

Related Information:NJ Legislature