NC budget unlikely to pass before fiscal year’s start

RALEIGH — Top legislative leaders say it’s unlikely the budget for North Carolina state government will pass before the new fiscal year begins Tuesday.

Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand said Thursday he hopes a final deal can be worked out over the weekend and be voted on early next week. He said he’s aiming to get the bill passed by July 4.

House Speaker Joe Hackney said finishing before Tuesday also looks improbable. But he said lawmakers on both sides seem to be “over-negotiating” and their differences aren’t that vast.

There’s not as much urgency to get the bill to Gov. Mike Easley’s desk before the new year. The Legislature approved a two-year budget last year, so government will continue to operate
without a new deal.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)