After a brief debate, the state Senate on Wednesday passed the 2018-19 General Fund budget largely along party lines, 36-14. Democrat Don Davis of Pitt County joined all 35 Republicans backing the $23.9 billion spending measure.
During floor debate, Democrats complained that the Republican move placing the budget in a conference committee report was unfair. The process allows no amendments, with the bill facing only an up-or-down vote.
Republicans countered that the spending plan merely modifies the two-year budget passed last year. Also, they said, it increases teacher pay by 6.5 percent on average, guarantees all state employees at least $15 an hour while giving the rest a 2 percent raise, reduces or eliminates the personal income tax burden on 99 percent of state taxpayers, and increases state savings.
Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, also noted that Democrats were happy to complain about the GOP budget but weren’t willing to introduce Gov. Roy Cooper’s $24.5 billion budget. He said Republicans did so as a courtesy.
The state Republican Party singled out Davis — one of the few Democratic incumbents considered to be vulnerable for re-election — Wednesday in a press release.
“Davis has a clear choice — vote for higher teacher and state worker pay, or not. Vote to Secure Schools, or not. His voters are watching closely, and so is the NCGOP,” wrote Republican Vice-Chairman Michele Nix, who lives in Davis’ district.
The budget report is on Thursday’s Senate calendar for final adoption. The House is set to debate the measure Thursday as well.