With budget deal reached, Senate begins process to vote

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Republicans in the General Assembly have agreed to a final state government budget, so the process now begins for lawmakers to vote on the plan and get it to Gov. Pat McCrory’s desk.

The Senate has scheduled its first vote for Tuesday afternoon on a $22.3 billion spending deal worked out with House counterparts. The House won’t vote on the proposal until Wednesday at the earliest.

The plan adjusting the second year of the current two-year budget would take effect this Friday. It includes average 4.7 percent pay raises for teachers and at least 1.5 percent raises for rank-and-file state employees. There are also tax cuts for people who use the standard deduction when filing their income taxes.

The budget deal means lawmakers are very close to adjourning this year.

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