The state Senate gave initial approval to an $18.2 billion 2010-11 state budget Thursday evening after a nearly seven-hour debate that touched on topics as varied as metal detectors at the Capitol and solitary confinement for prisoners, The Denver Post reports.

Republicans tried to push across-the-board cuts to the state payroll but did not offer specific programs they believed should be pared.

A final vote is scheduled for today, and the budget likely will then move into conference committee.