RALEIGH – The North Carolina House has completed debate on its version of the state government budget for the next two years.

After more than three hours of debate Thursday, the chamber voted 77-40 in favor of the plan. Lawmakers also voted mostly along party lines Wednesday while giving the measure tentative approval.

The Senate passed its own budget three weeks ago is now expect to reject the House changes, leading to a conference committee aiming to work out differences and get a final plan to Governor Pat McCrory by the end of the month.

House and Senate Republicans likely will have to work out many of their differences on their competing tax plans first to figure out how much money they’ll have to spend.