The Maryland General Assembly early Monday morning approved the largest package of tax increases in state history, handing Gov. Martin O?Malley a major victory for his politically risky proposal for tax increases, slots and budget cuts.

The close to $1.4 billion in sales, income, cigarette and corporate tax increases will go to help fund a deficit next year, largely produced by increased aid to education. The increases will also help fill a depleted transportation fund with $400 million in new money to build long-delayed road and transit projects.