House agrees on Republican penned budget

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The House has tentatively agreed to a $19
billion plus budget bill for next year, penned by Republicans,
that would let expire a pair of temporary tax increases and
received some Democratic support.

The chamber voted 72-47 on Tuesday night in favor of the measure
following nearly 10 hours of debate. The vote is significant
because the margin would be enough to withstand a potential veto by
Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue.

Other Democrats complained the bill would eliminate more than
20,000 positions. Republican Speaker Thom Tillis said that number
is exaggerated.

The vote came a few minutes after some people in the gallery
were removed by police after starting a chant. Three people
detained by police were identified as high school and college
students.

A final House vote is expected Wednesday.

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