Tuesday Wrap: Hurry up and wait

Budget held hostage: Day 77

More than 500 pages of state budget details were released shortly before midnight Tuesday, and the Senate had given the $21.7 billion plan an initial OK less than 16 hours later. Democrats complained loudly that they needed more time to review the budget, but bemused Republicans ignored them and recalled the days when they were given even less notice by Democratic leaders intent on approving a budget.

An effort in the House to move its first budget vote up one day failed after both Democrats and some Republicans voiced similar concerns. So, the House will hold its two required votes on Thursday night and shortly after midnight Friday – giving Gov. Pat McCrory less than 24 hours to sign the budget before a temporary spending measure expires.

Meanwhile, the House Rules Committee sent a measure to the House floor that would broaden the definition of who could sign off on sex education curriculum used in North Carolina schools.