ANNAPOLIS (AP) — The Maryland Senate has passed the state’s $13.8 billion operating budget, which contains major cuts to local governments.

The Senate’s 40-7 vote to approve the measure paves the way for a conference committee to bridge differences in the state budget approved by the House of Delegates.

The Senate also approved a companion budget reconciliation bill needed to balance the state budget after a $1.2 billion drop in revised revenue projections.

The Senate has cut more than $900 million in fiscal years 2009 and 2010. That’s compared to about $825 million in cuts made by the House.

One of the biggest differences is in state aid for local road maintenance, snow removal and road paving. The Senate wants to cut $162 million, but the House has approved a $102 million reduction.

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On the Net:

• Read House Bill 100: http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/billfile/HB0100.htm

• Read House Bill 101: http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/billfile/HB0101.htm