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California Lawmakers Pass Budget Ahead Of Pay Deadline

SACRAMENTO (AP) — Democratic lawmakers have approved a plan to balance California's $15.7 billion deficit without Gov. Jerry Brown's endorsement so they can keep collecting their paychecks.

The Senate passed the main budget bill Friday on a 23-16 vote, and the Assembly also passed the measure, 50-25.

The Legislature's plan has fewer welfare cuts than the governor proposed.

Assemblyman Budget Chairman Bob Blumenfield said lawmakers tried to soften the most severe cuts to social services and proposed "more compassionate alternatives to some of the governor's proposals."

Republicans say the plan is incomplete and are urging Brown to veto the bill. The governor hasn't indicated what he will do.

By passing the bill Friday, lawmakers met a midnight deadline to pass a balanced budget and won't lose any pay.

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