HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) The Connecticut House of Representatives passed some late changes to the new Democratic state budget that had drawn criticism from major corporations because of tax increases on businesses and others.

The Hartford Courant reports the House approved the measure by 78 to 65, with 8 members absent early this morning. Two House Democrats, David Alexander of Enfield and John Hampton of Simsbury, joined with Republicans in voting against the measure.

The approval comes after the state Senate passed the budget-related bill on a narrow 19-17 vote Monday night.

Both General Electric and Aetna threatened to leave after the budget bill narrowly passed on June 3.