The House of Representatives has been busy working on a budget plan for the state and other large pieces of legislation. Here's a summary of the days news from the State Capitol:
The centerpiece of the spending plan lawmakers are adjusting is pay for public school teachers. A five percent raise is what House Speaker Thom Tillis and his colleagues are suggesting.
That’s almost the mid-point between the two existing budget outlines. The governor has suggested a two-percent raise, and the senate an 11-percent raise.
The house’s proposal is counting on profits from the state lottery to cover the raises.
But the House was also busy with other legislation: In a 77 to 33 vote, the chamber approved a bill that would increase requirements to file for unemployment insurance.
Also in the General Assembly: There are two bills on a collision course. The House passed a bill that will move parts of the Department of Commerce to a non-profit agency. It will recruit businesses and tourism for the state.
The Senate has passed a very similar bill, except it sets aside a 20-million dollar fund for film incentives. The two chambers will have to sort out this difference.