QUES: Blagojevich reiterated his stance Wednesday to not prop up the budget with a gambling expansion .

Governor Rod Blagojevich said he would not balance the state budget with gambling revenues .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS: yes

QUES: General Motors Corp. posted a record 8.4 percent improvement in 2000 .

General Motors Corp. posted the best-ever improvement in 2000 at 8.4 percent .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS: yes

QUES: His coalition also passed some of the world 's most progressive laws in legalizing gay marriage and euthanasia and decriminalizing the personal use of soft drugs .

The coalition passed some of the world 's most progressive social legislation , legalising gay marriage and euthanasia .

The sentences above mean the same or not?
****
ANS:
no