(The Center Square) – Lawmakers in North Carolina this week are expected to have a vote on the state budget, a two-year spending plan that was due to be implemented on July 1 of last year.
One year late, the proposal is expected to be a compromise of the Senate and House of Representatives. Once approved by the Republican majority chambers, it would go to first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein for approval, veto or to become law without his signature after 10 days.
The deal is not expected to include appropriation for luring Major League Baseball. Both Raleigh and Charlotte are considered viable options for expansion among about half a dozen in the United States and Canada, and there’s also a chance the franchise in Tampa could be relocated if a resolution for a stadium can’t be reached.
Still, sports is a key piece of the negotiation albeit on the collegiate level. Sports gambling that brings 18% of gross wagering revenue to state coffers is expected to rise to 23%, and the distribution model will change to the financial benefit of Carolina, N.C. State, East Carolina, UNC Charlotte and Appalachian State – the state’s five public schools playing at football’s highest level (bowl subdivision).
A day for the vote has not been set in either chamber. The House of Representatives gaveled in briefly on Monday morning, the Senate was to later in the day. Tuesday or Wednesday are more likely days for votes ahead of the session ending and the July Fourth holiday weekend.
In May, chamber leaders said they had the framework for a deal in place and it would take about a month to resolve details. Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, said they had agreed to bonuses and raises for teachers and lawmen; a new structure on the personal income tax rate; and to the House proposal for property tax revaluation levy limit.
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