*Budget deal approved

Senate passage was assured after Democrats got the support of Republican Abel Maldonado, who demanded that a number of changes be made. The Assembly approved the package soon after and Gov. Schwarzenegger will have it later today. (AP)

*From the WSJ:

The changes made after negotiations with Mr. Maldonado include measures calling for the state to hold open primary elections and to stop pay raises for lawmakers in years the state faces a budget shortfall. Both reforms would have to be approved by voters, however. Legislative leaders also agreed to strip out the gas-tax increase. "We really needed to reform the way we do business in California," Mr. Maldonado said, "and if we have good reforms in place, hopefully we'll never be in this situation again."

Capitol Alert has a rundown on how the budget package was altered in order to secure Maldonado's crucial vote. The one big surprise is the Democrats agreeing to put a constitutional amendment on the June 2010 ballot that would establish an open primary system. Maldonado believes that an open system will help moderates like himself.

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