California Senate approves long-awaited budget

SACRAMENTO " The California Senate has approved a long-awaited budget package intended to wipe out a $42 billion deficit, possibly steering the state clear of a fiscal disaster.

Leaders were able to secure the final vote needed from a moderate Republican early Thursday by agreeing to his demands for election changes, government reform and removal of a gas tax increase, giving them the two-thirds vote needed to pass the package.

The budget awaits approval from the state Assembly, which had been expected to approve previous budget deals this week but has yet to weigh in on the late changes.