NC Senate gives tentative support for final budget

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — A final North Carolina budget deal has cleared its first formal hurdle.

The Senate voted 33-16 Tuesday for a budget compromise between the General Assembly’s Republican leaders after nearly three months of negotiations. A final Senate vote is required Wednesday.

The House will take up the legislation Thursday and Friday. The bill would then go to Gov. Pat McCrory.

The plan spends nearly $22 billion and fully funds teaching assistants and driver’s education in schools. There are $750 bonuses for state employees and teachers. The personal income tax rate would fall, but sales taxes also would apply to more services.

Senate Republicans say the measure exemplifies disciplined spending and pro-growth policies. Democratic counterparts say it gives too much to millionaires and corporations at the expense of public schools and teachers.

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