Governor Pat McCrory says he will consider vetoing a budget bill if he doesn't like what House and Senate budget negotiators come up with. The governor gave a brief interview just outside the Old Capitol earlier this afternoon.
Leaders in both houses still don't agree on some final key issues, which include how big teacher raises should be and how many teacher assistants to keep in classrooms. Governor McCrory said he met with the House caucus earlier today to spell out his priorities.
Above all, the governor stressed that he wants reasonable raises for teachers that won't require making huge cuts in other areas. He also wants to keep teacher assistants in classrooms.
"I’ve clearly communicated my issues and concerns and I will stand by those issues and concerns. If the budget doesn’t address my issues and concerns, I’ll definitely consider vetoing the budget like I would consider vetoing any other bill," said McCrory.
Meanwhile, a charter school bill that would shield some employee salaries passed the House today and is headed to the governor's desk. McCrory says he has concerns about transparency issues in the bill and that he is reviewing the bill closely.