BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana House has agreed to raise alcohol taxes to help bail out the state budget.

The alcohol tax hike fell short last week of the 70 votes needed. But after two days of negotiations, several lawmakers changed their minds Sunday and the bill was advanced to the Senate with a 76-25 vote.

Efforts to add a three-year expiration were rejected.

Supporters said the taxes haven't been raised in decades and the money could help stop deep reductions to colleges and health services. It would raise about $4 million for this year's budget.

Opponents said the increased rates could put Louisiana out of line with neighboring states.

The alcohol tax is one of several measures being considered before a special session aimed at stabilizing Louisiana's budget nears its Wednesday end.