Democrats, including Governor Janet Mills, call the legislation a "continuing services" budget no new programs, but a little more spending on existing ones to maintain commitments.
The vote was the first of several expected Thursday evening as Democrats rush to enact it before April 1, thus allowing it to go into effect by July 1.
Democrats are expected to pass a current services budget this week and postpone any discussion about Republican demands for income tax breaks until later in the session.
Democrats are expected to pass a current services budget this week and postpone any discussion about Republican demands for income tax breaks until later in the session.