Wednesday Wrap: Presented for your consideration

Lawmakers got their first look Wednesday at Gov. Pat McCrory's proposed $22.3 billion state budget for 2016-17.

The highlight of the proposal is an average 5 percent raise for public school teachers, but lawmakers expressed concern that state workers were getting only a one-time 3 percent bonus under the spending plan.

Lawmakers also were skeptical of the administration's projection of a smaller Medicaid budget, freeing up money for other programs.

The Senate also approved several of McCrory's appointments to various positions, including a new term for State Controller Linda Combs and former Revenue Secretary Lyons Gray to an open slot on the state Utilities Commission.