The North Carolina General Assembly is two months late on finalizing a two-year budget. The challenge is disentangling competing state spending plans from the House and Senate. Republican leaders equipped with their own agreed-to plan will then aim to reach a compromise with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who could sign or veto it. Cooper and the GOP-controlled legislature are likely to spar over tax cuts, teacher and state employee pay and policy provisions. A top Senate leader says he doesn't expect a resolution before the end of September.