State lawmakers continue to negotiate a state budget and are touting improvement, but are also asking for additional deliberation time.
Policymakers announced progress on the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon. Senator Harry Brown (R-Onslow) said subcommittees now have target spending amounts, and an agreement on salary adjustments for state workers has been reached in principal.
"It’s actually a $750 bonus for all state employees, and there are some step increases that are included for teachers, magistrates and high patrol. There is a piece for correctional officers,” Brown said.
Progress with the budget comes while a spending plan is eight weeks past due. Talks are moving forward, but a final budget will not be in place by Monday when a second self-imposed deadline expires. Still, some lawmakers say they feel better about talks between the chambers.
“Oh much better,” Senate Rules Chairman Top Apodaca (R-Henderson) said. “We’ve made tremendous progress in the last 24 hours on the budget. We’ve come to a lot of numbers, and we’re really pleased with the progress now.”
Since a final budget will not be hashed out by Monday, lawmakers must pass a third continuing resolution. The new extension will bring this legislative session into its ninth month, through September 18.
“I think that gives us plenty of room to get this hashed out,” Brown said.