NC Legislature gives final OK to savings bill

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The Republican-led Legislature has set up a veto showdown with Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue over a budget-savings plan.

The House gave final approval to a measure Thursday that directs Perdue to find at least $400 million in savings by the end of June from a $19 billion spending plan.

The Senate already had agreed to the plan. It now goes to Perdue for her signature.

The bill also takes about $75 million from three economic development funds. The governor has opposed her proposed loss of economic incentive money but hasn’t said if she would veto the measure.

The 66-51 margin in the House indicates Republicans may be unable to override a veto.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)