Berger: Democrats need to decide on budget

Madeline Gray—North State Journal
FILE PHOTO: Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger gavels in the state Senate session in this undated file photo

RALEIGH — The Republican leader of the N.C. state Senate says now is the time for Democratic colleagues to stand up and decide what “they’re for and what they’re against” when it comes to a state budget.

The budget bill has been idled since Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the two-year plan in June.

An override already was successful in the House. Senate Republicans have followed parliamentary procedure so an override vote in the chamber could occur Monday night. But Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) told reporters he didn’t know if it would happen. Only one Democrat must join the Republicans to complete the override.

Berger says his chamber will attempt to advance teacher pay legislation regardless of the budget outcome before the chamber adjourns for an extended period after this week.