The trip is part of the prestigious Rodel Fellowship from the Aspen Institute, which the Raleigh Democrat received in 2006. The fellowship brings together a bipartisan group of elected officials younger than 50 from across the country.

To go on the trip, Ross will be passing up one of the biggest weeks at the legislature, which could see a vote on the state's budget.

Ross said the trip was planned more than six months ago, and that it was an opportunity she couldn't miss.

"We all thought we'd be out of here weeks ago," Ross said. "I don't feel good about it. I take my responsibilities as a legislator very seriously."

Ross said she was encouraged by House Speaker Joe Hackney to take the trip, which she passed up twice before because of conflicts with the legislature's schedule.

Ross said she asked to forgo compensation for her work as a legislator while she is away.

More after the jump.

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