Republican budget smaller than Perdue's

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Republicans have released their vision for North Carolina in the second year of a two-year spending plan. It's different from the one Governor Beverly Perdue put forth just a few weeks ago.

Click here to read more about Perdue's proposal

The biggest difference is the bottom line. It's smaller and does not include Perdue's proposal for a 3/4 cent sales tax increase that would generate hundreds of millions for schools.

The Republicans call for $20.2 billion in spending, while Perdue called for nearly $21 billion. The sales tax hike would have brought in just over $700 million.

Perdue's budget also called for a two-percent raise for all state workers.

The House budget also doesn't include an addition five classroom days for schools. The Senate version does - possibly setting the scene for a struggle within the GOP before the budget even gets to Perdue.

"This time, I think there's a little more potential for the House and Senate to have some disagreements over the budget. If that comes to pass, then we might have more extended budget process than what legislative leaders have been looking for," offered Mitch Kokai with John Locke Foundation.

Because it's the second year of a biannual budget, lawmakers could take no action and there would still be a budget. There would be no government shutdown. Lawmakers have said they'd like to have the budget done so they can return home by late June.

Click here to read the House budget plan (.pdf)

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