Democratic defectors still back vetoed NC budget

Senators held unusual Monday afternoon committee meetings in hopes of the General Assembly completing its regular legislation session by the end of the week.

Lawmakers could adjourn only if the GOP-led House can override Perdue's veto Sunday of a two-year spending plan. Four of the five House Democrats who voted for the final budget that spends nearly $20 billion in 2011-12 would have to go along for the override to occur. Some said Monday they plan to continue supporting the budget.

"I knew she'd veto the budget. I just didn't know when," Rep. Dewey Hill, D-Columbus, said Monday. "We're going to override the veto."

However, Perdue isn't giving up.

"I'm hoping somebody – doesn't have to be just the five Democrats – I'm hoping five people step up and vote with me to veto this budget," Perdue said.

The House rules don't allow for an override vote until at least Wednesday.

State law requires the budget to be approved by July 1, when the new fiscal year begins.

Perdue is North Carolina's first chief executive to veto a budget bill.