Lawmakers in the North Carolina House will debate a two-year spending plan Wednesday. Discussion over the budget draft began last week.
This $22.2 billion proposal would increase state spending by more than $1.3 billion, or six percent.
Lead budget writer Republican Nelson Dollar quickly attributed much of that boost to enrollment growth in Medicaid, public schools and the UNC system.
The House budget also includes $158 million dollars in grants and incentives. It provides raises to all state employees and increases funds for charter school vouchers.
The complex spending plan will take several hours to debate and more than a hundred amendments could be heard on the full House floor. Deliberations are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
In a few weeks the Senate will roll out its spending plan. That chamber is less enthused with economic incentives and is also likely to propose additional cuts to individual and corporate taxes.