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Legislative leaders announced Wednesday that they’ve agreed on how much to spend in the state budget for the next two years.

North Carolina will see $232 million in earmarks, or just 2.4% of the $9.7 billion in total earmarks going to projects across the country.

Lower state income taxes and stronger mandates addressing the mental health of law enforcement officers in North Carolina take effect with the new year.

Educators will see more money in their paychecks this year from a combination of raises, bonuses and a new county-based supplement for teacher pay.

The latest budget offer that North Carolina Republicans sent to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper wouldn't expand Medicaid broadly as Cooper seeks, but it does sweeten a previous proposal on worker pay raises, a top GOP legislator says.

Republican legislative leaders sent another negotiating offer to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday as top government officials still attempt to enact a long-overdue two year budget.

The chamber voted 72-41 late Wednesday for the proposal, which contains several billion dollars in cash for infrastructure spending. Republicans who drew up the plan also praised teacher pay raises and tax cuts contained inside.

North Carolina House Republicans are ready this week to advance its two-year state government spending proposal.

The GOP-controlled chamber voted 32-18 on Thursday for the two-year plan. Democrats say the Republican proposal misses a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address program and salary needs in K-12 schools and in health care.

Governor Cooper and State Budget Director Charlie Perusse share the governor's recommended budget in a media briefing Wednesday at 2 p.m.