NC Senate Budget Gets Final OK; House Makes Own Plan Next

A two-year North Carolina government budget that spends, saves and cuts taxes thanks to a state revenue boon and billions more federal COVID-19 relief funds cleared the Senate. Four Democrats joined all Republicans in voting Friday for the spending proposal — just like Thursday when the chamber completed the first of two required votes. The budget bill now goes to the House, where Republicans will fashion a competing plan by next month. The two chambers then will hammer out a compromise to present to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. The Senate margin suggests an override is possible should Cooper veto the final product.