Maryland House passes $37 billion state budget

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland House of Delegates has approved the state's $37 billion budget on a 103-36 vote.

There were 97 Democrats and six Republicans who voted for the bill Friday. All 36 delegates who voted against it were Republicans.

The measure now goes to the Senate for a final vote.

The budget for the next fiscal year includes a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment for state employees.

Compared to last year, the differences between the House and Senate budget changes were minor. Last year, a budget agreement fell apart on the last day of the session, prompting Gov. Martin O'Malley to hold a special session to fix the budget plan.