3rd stopgap spending bill approved by NC lawmakers

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The General Assembly has quickly voted for another temporary spending measure that directs how North Carolina government should operate while a budget stalemate still is unresolved.

The Senate and House approved separately by wide margins Thursday a third “continuing resolution.” This one expires Sept. 18. The proposal is heading to Gov. Pat McCrory.

Lawmakers were supposed to pass a two-year budget before the fiscal year began July 1. The first temporary spending measure was set to expire Aug. 14. The second ends Monday.

Legislative leaders sound optimistic about not needing a fourth continuing resolution. They say they have locked down more spending numbers and agreed on pay changes for state employees and teachers.

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