We appear to have a budget in California.. Finally....<br /><br /><!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->The California Senate has approved a long-awaited budget package intended to wipe out a &#036;42 billion deficit, possibly steering the state clear of a fiscal disaster.<br />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.<br />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.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--><br />