HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrats in Pennsylvania on Wednesday attacked a newly unveiled $27.7 billion state spending plan written by majority Republicans, calling it a gift to big business that will lock in this year's deep cuts in aid to public schools while forcing longer waits for people who need services such as treatment for mental illness or addiction.

The legislation, made public just four days before the new fiscal year begins, passed the House Appropriations Committee on a party-line vote Wednesday morning after two hours of debate. The House adjourned Wednesday without action on the bill, and floor debate was expected to begin Thursday morning. The plan will need Senate approval after that.

Democrats were getting their first look at the document after having been excluded from private negotiations between Republican Gov. Tom Corbett and his fellow Republicans who control both chambers of the state Legislature.