Monday Wrap: Well, where is the budget?

Budget held hostage: Day 76.

Legislative leaders talked at length Monday about what was in the proposed $21.7 billion budget compromise, but no one else knows how accurate their statements are because the actual 500-or-so-page bill hasn't yet been put online for public inspection.

Whenever it does go online, senators not in the know will have only a matter of hours to review it before the Senate holds the first of its two required votes on Tuesday. The House likely won't hold its first vote until Thursday.

According to House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, the budget deal provides one-time bonuses of $750 to most teachers and state employees, but there is no cost-of-living increase for retirees.

The budget also includes money to start the Medicaid reform process, expands sales taxes and cuts the personal income tax rate.