Negotiators who have been working through differences in House and Senate plans for the budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 approved a $24 billion compromise Wednesday afternoon. The House and then Senate quickly approved the plan today before adjourning for the weekend.

Among the key decisions in the budget:

• A health care program for blind Missourians will receive most of its funding from the state budget.

• Seven universities will split a $3 million boost to higher education funding.

• The Sue Shear Institute for Public Life at the University of Missouri-St. Louis will not be stripped of state dollars.

• Missouri’s seven veterans homes will be funded primarily through the state’s casino entrance fee.

• Most state employees will receive 2 percent raises in the coming year.