AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine lawmakers have taken a big step toward winding up the year’s work as the Appropriations Committee agreed on a supplemental state budget for the two years ending in mid-2013.

The agreement came just before midnight Monday. The spending plan could go before lawmakers Thursday.

Democrats say the budget avoids the full force of Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s proposed cuts in general assistance, the grants to municipalities to help people in need. But it does not address some $80 million in proposed cuts to other social service programs.

Democrats also say the budget avoids deep cuts in higher education and the Fund for a Healthy Maine, which disburses tobacco-settlement money for health programs.

The committee voted to fully restore funding to Maine Public Broadcasting Network, which LePage wanted to cut.