By Beth LeBlanc and Craig Mauger, MediaNews Group

The Michigan Senate approved a 24% wholesale tax on marijuana early Friday morning, marking the key vote in a wide-ranging deal to increase funding for roads and to achieve a new state budget.

At about 3 a.m. Friday, senators voted 19-17 in favor of the tax hike, which the Legislature’s fiscal agencies estimate will generate $420 million in additional annual revenue, after it takes effect on Jan. 1.

The House passed the bill last week 78-21. The legislation moves to Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer next for her signature to complete a long-sought pursuit of a new tax revenue stream to aid the repair of Michigan’s crumbling roads.

Supporters of the bill, which was backed by Whitmer, said it was necessary to improve Michigan’s roads and b

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