(AP) - The Connecticut General Assembly hasgiven final legislative approval to a bill designed to help citiesand towns through the financial crisis.

It passed the House of Representatives on a 141-0 vote. TheSenate approved it earlier Monday, 31-3.

The legislation allows municipalities to join forces and makegroup purchases through the state to save money, and establishone-time local tax amnesty programs. There are also provisions toprotect tenants living in foreclosed properties.

The bill is half of a deficit mitigation plan being debated bylawmakers in a special session Monday night. The Senate isdiscussing a second bill that covers $300 million, about half ofthis fiscal year's deficit. That bill already passed the House.