HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania's prospects for avoiding deeper state budget cuts and more layoffs improved today, thanks to a key U.S. Senate vote on $26 billion in recession-related aid to the states.

The bill cleared a hurdle in the Senate that virtually guarantees its later passage in the chamber. The legislation would extend aid included in last year's federal stimulus law to states and schools to maintain programs amid anemic tax collections with the recession.

"This is a positive and long overdue first step to prevent harmful budget cuts and layoffs," Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said in a statement.

The Senate vote was 61-38. Maine's two moderate Republican senators joined Casey, Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., and 57 other Democrats to overcome a GOP filibuster. Final Senate approval and House passage are still necessary.

Gov. Ed Rendell had warned that without the aid, he would have to balance the state budget by cutting subsidies to public schools and county-run human services.

By The Associated Press