(AP) -- LANSING, Mich. - Facing a midnight deadline and a lot of business left to do, the state House passed an interim general fund budget that would keep government operating if a budget deal can't be reached.
The measure passed the Democratic-led House Wednesday 88-18, with four lawmakers not voting.
The bill is the same as an interim budget passed last week by the Republican-controlled Senate. It includes extensive cuts.
The House expects to take up an interim budget for school aid later in the day.
Democratic Rep. Tim Melton of Auburn Hills says lawmakers intend to put a budget in place by Wednesday's midnight deadline, but wanted a backup plan in place just in case to avoid a government shutdown.
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