RALEIGH, N.C. -- The North Carolina Senate is debating its government budget proposal that spends less than the House but does not go as far as state representatives in reducing expected public school cuts.
The full Senate began considering Wednesday morning the proposed adjustments to the second year of the two-year budget starting July 1.
Senate Republicans who drew up the $20 billion proposal decided to give more financial aid and enrollment money to the University of North Carolina system than the House plan approved two weeks ago.
Sen. Pete Brunstetter of Forsyth County said the Senate plan also tries to place moorings upon Medicaid by setting aside another $330 million for the health program.
Senate Democrats say the GOP plan continues to treat public schoolteachers poorly.