Senate approves federal funding for RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The U.S. Senate has approved more than $104 million in federal funds for Rhode Island as part of a $26 billion jobs measure.

The bill, passed yesterday by a 61-39 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives, where a vote is expected next week.

Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed voted in favor of the funding and said it would be critical in helping the state's economy.

The bill would give Rhode Island roughly $72 million in additional federal Medicaid funding.

The state would also get about $33 million to save the jobs of teachers and first responders.