RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Debate over a narrow spending package to help North Carolina’s government operate in the new fiscal year turned into finger-pointing over a broader budget impasse.

The House unanimously approved on Wednesday what Republican budget-writers call a “stopgap” spending bill and sent it to the Senate.

There’s been no danger of a government shutdown since the year began July 1 even as Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed on June 28 a two-year budget written by Republican legislators. But Wednesday’s measure provides money for items like public school enrollment growth, anticipated juvenile justice case increases and tax collection improvements.

While some Republicans pointed out what they consider good items in their budget bill are absent from the stopgap plan, Democrats blamed GOP leaders for failing to negotiate with Cooper in good faith to end the deadlock.

House Republican leaders have been unsuccessful this week in attempting to override Cooper’s budget veto, failing to persuade enough Democrats to join them. While Republicans hold majorities in both chambers, they no longer have veto-proof margins, giving Cooper more leverage.

Cooper, who vetoed the measure because it lacked Medicaid expansion and included corporate tax cuts among other reasons, made a public counteroffer to GOP legislators on Tuesday. But Republican leaders accused Cooper of blocking credible negotiations because he insists on expansion.

Cooper’s office released a letter late Wednesday that the governor sent to House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger. He asked them for an in-person or phone meeting as early as Thursday to “work toward a compromise budget that requires give and take from us all.”

“It has become clear that you do not have the votes to override my veto of the budget,” Cooper wrote.

Berger and Moore’s staff responded to Cooper’s office by saying a productive conversation about a budget compromise needs to be “free from the governor’s ultimatum that no budget can move forward without Medicaid expansion.” Berger’s office said Berger is currently in Germany attending a gathering of Senate leaders from the states and will return this weekend.

Time could be dwindling for a quick budget resolution. GOP Sen. Bill Rabon, the Rules Committee chairman, filed legislation Wednesday that, if approved, would have lawmakers shut down this year’s session from July 22 until late August.

Related Stories
‹
North Carolina Revenue Predictions Fall with Recession Risk
State officials have lowered anticipated revenue collection, largely over rising economic uncertainty and the risks of a U.S. recession.
General Assembly Weekend Check-In
Three major, and controversial, decisions have been made in the North Carolina General Assembly this past weekend: the Senate’s new spending plan, teacher pay raises, and the fracking bill.
Robert's Rules: NC House Minority Leader Robert Reives on House Budget, Gov. Stein, Marijuana
North Carolina House Minority Leader and District 54 Representative Robert Reives spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, June 6. He discussed the latest on the House Budget, including some unprecedented moves on the Senate side of the legislature, why he was comfortable with the budget, and more. He also talked about how he feels Gov. Stein is doing so far, what the future of marijuana in North Carolina may be, and more.
House Republicans Unveil Medicaid Cuts That Democrats Warn Will Leave Millions Without Care
House Republicans have unveiled the cost-saving centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” at least $880 billion in cuts largely to Medicaid to help cover the cost of $4.5 trillion in tax breaks.
North Carolina Lawmakers Focus On Guns, Immigration and Parental Rights Ahead of a Key Deadline
The crossover deadline has passed for bills in the North Carolina General Assembly. What are some of the themes seen in this session?
Robert's Rules: NC House Minority Leader Robert Reives on State Budget and More
North Carolina House Minority Leader and District 54 Representative from Chatham County, Robert Reives spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Friday, April 18. He discussed the latest on the state budget conversations. He also weighs in on the continued litigation surrounding the State Supreme Court seat that Republican Jefferson Griffin continues to contest in spite of losing the election by over 700 votes. He also talks about some of the coming federal cuts, including slashing PBS's budget, and more.
Robert's Rules: District 54 Representative and NC House Minority Leader Robert Reives on State of the State and More
North Carolina House Minority Leader and District 54 Representative Robert Reives spoke with 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com News Director Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, March 19. He discussed the recent State of the State address from Governor Josh Stein. He also talked about the business of the General Assembly, which includes a Hurricane Helene aid package for the western part of the state. He talked about some of the divisive legislation passing through the assembly, what individuals can do to help the causes they believe in, and more.
Robert's Rules: NC House Minority Leader and District 54 Representative Robert Reives Talks General Assembly and More
NC House Minority Leader and District 54 Representative Robert Reives spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, February 6. He discussed the business of the General Assembly, particularly as it relates to state budget questions, including the discrepancy between Governor Stein's proposal for Western North Carolina aid compared to the Republican-led General Assembly's. He also talked about the impact of some of the recent federal actions from the white house, and more.
Robert's Rules: NC House Minority Leader Robert Reives Talks Leadership, Legislative Session
North Carolina House Minority Leader and District 54 Representative Robert Reives spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, January 9. He discussed the legislative session that got underway this week. He also talked about leadership changes in both parties at the state legislature for 2025. He discussed state and national politics, and more.
Robert's Rules: NC House Minority Leader Robert Reives Talks Aid Package, Election
North Carolina House Minority Leader and District 54 Representative Robert Reives spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, October 30. He discussed the recent aid package passed by the general assembly for hurricane recovery in western North Carolina. He talked about what's included in the package, and the likelihood of another package being passed in Novmeber. He also discussed next week's general election, touching on his race, national races, state races, and more.
›