Cost drivers, fiscal picture topics at NC budget meeting

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — An invitation has gone out to essentially the entire North Carolina Legislature to hear about the state’s fiscal picture and what’s expected to drive costs in the next two-year budget.

The House and Senate appropriations committee scheduled a joint meeting Thursday and invited other lawmakers to participate. They’re expected to hear from the General Assembly’s top staff economist. Barry Boardman and the state budget office now estimate the state will face a $271 million shortfall this fiscal year. There will also be a presentation on key budget expenditures.

The House will take the first crack at writing a budget but first wants to see Gov. Pat McCrory’s proposal. The Senate will then make changes. The two chambers want to get a final budget to McCrory before July 1.

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