WCBC

The Maryland General Assembly has approved the state's $37 billion budget. The Senate voted 35-8 for the measure Friday. The House passed the bill 103-36 earlier in the day. Maryland isn't feeling the budget pressures it has in recent years since the recession, due to a mix of slow economic growth, cuts and tax increases. Lawmakers say an ongoing budget deficit nearly has been fully addressed. It's been as high as $2 billion in recent years. The budget for the next fiscal year includes a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment for state employees. Compared to last year, House and Senate budget changes were minor. Last year, a budget agreement fell apart on the last day of the session, prompting Governor Martin O'Malley to hold a special session. During the special session in May, lawmakers approved an income tax increase for individual earning more than $100,000 a year.