NC Senate gives final OK to $22.2 billion budget bill
RALEIGH -- Senators have completed their work on proposed adjustments to the current North Carolina government budget.
The Senate met early Friday just after midnight to give its final approval to the $22.2 billion plan drawn up by Republicans.
Debate lasted less than 10 minutes before senators voted 26-13 for the plan. They debated a few hours Thursday before giving initial approval on a party-line vote.
See more on the North Carolina government budget proposal
GOP leaders highlighted teacher pay raises in the proposal and nearly $600 million more in reserves for the next economic downturn. Democrats criticized the lack of across-the-board state employee raises and increased spending on scholarships for K-12 students to attend private schools.
RELATED: NC SENATE BUDGET PROPOSES MERIT-BASED PAY RAISES
The House already approved its budget changes. Next, legislators from both chambers will negotiate a compromise plan to present to Gov. Pat McCrory.
