MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Senate has begun to debate a budget that slashes millions of dollars from Medicaid, mental health services, law enforcement and other state agencies.

Senators on Monday are expected to approve the cut-filled budget after lawmakers could not agree how to fill a budget hole. The proposed spending plan cuts nearly $200 million from state agencies.

Senate budget chairman Arthur Orr says the budget under debate gives small increases to the prison system and parole board to continue the effort to alleviate severe prison overcrowding.

Lawmakers are winding down a special session called by Gov. Robert Bentley. Legislators rejected Gov. Robert Bentley’s call for $302 million in new taxes.

Senators say they expect the governor to call them back for a second special session.