Perdue continues to seek budget agreement

Gov. Bev Perdue said she talked to House Speaker Thom Tillis and Senate leader Phil Berger again today to work on a budget compromise. 

Update: Perdue said in a statement that the state collected more money than anticipated this year, but Senate leader Phil Berger said she may be counting money that was expected next year and just came in early. Berger said he was waiting for the legislative fiscal staff to clarify the issue. 

Update 2: Here's the fiscal staff analysis. The money that Perdue is saying is extra comes from businesses not yet claiming their new $3,500 tax credit. Businesses still have time to claim their $3,500,  so the state cannot spend this money, said Sen. Bob Rucho, a Mecklenburg County Republican. 

Update 3: Perdue's office sends statement saying she's disappointed by GOP response.

The GOP leaders earlier refused her suggestion to take $100 million from reserve and repair and renovation funds and use it for schools, parole officers, eugenics compensation and other items. 

Perdue's office released this statement Thursday morning.

“I committed to reaching a bi-partisan consensus that will increase North Carolina's investment in our children’s future, invest in critical job-creating priorities, and fill other important needs unmet by the budget the General Assembly passed last week.

“Today, we learned that, as a result of better-than-expected revenue, the state fiscal year will close out with an additional $117 million in over-collected revenue.

“I am committed to ensuring that a portion of this revenue source, along with other funds, be dedicated to schools, jobs, probation and parole officers and other urgent needs."

“I just spoke to Speaker Tillis and President Pro Tem Berger and asked them to work with me in a bi-partisan way to reach an agreement that will allow an amended budget to become law by July 1.”

At about the same time tthis was released, the state Senate was passing a backup plan that would  kick in if Perdue vetoes the budget and the legislature does not override her veto. 

Perdue vetoed the budget last summer, but the legislature cancelled her veto.