NC Senate gives $19 billion budget tentative OK

RALEIGH, N.C. (StateNewsOnline.com) - The state Senate gave tentative approval Wednesday to a nearly $19 billion plan to run North Carolina state government for the coming year that largely gave public education a break from the worst cuts at the expense of health care and other programs.

The chamber voted 32-17 in favor of a plan that closes what Democratic leaders call a projected 4 percent revenue shortfall. All Democrats present joined three Republicans in support of the adjustments rolled out on the floor only a week after the Legislature convened this year's session.