N.C. budget negotiations continue as gambling expansion remains sticking point

Tempers cooled as House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate Leader Phil Berger met to negotiate state budget stalled over gambling expansion plan.
Moore backed off threat to strip out gambling language and pass budget without it, wants to explore options before that.
Berger wants Moore to call bluff of gambling opponents and bring budget to vote as is, thinks votes are there.
Budget over 2 months late but no shutdown as state operates on old budget until new one passed.
Failure to agree on gambling holding up Medicaid expansion, which was tied to budget passage.

wral.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/7/2023

Top NC Republican: Budget or bust for gambling expansion

Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger has stated that a plan to expand gambling in North Carolina can only become law if it is included in the state budget, which also includes proposals for new commercial casinos and video lottery terminals.

9/7/2023

Not enough GOP votes for expanded gaming in budget, NC House Speaker says

The North Carolina state budget, which includes plans for a gambling expansion, may not pass due to insufficient Republican support, potentially jeopardizing the inclusion of other budget priorities such as raises for state employees and Medicaid expansion.

9/11/2023

NC budget talks stall over proposed gambling expansion

Closed-door negotiations to expand legalized gambling in North Carolina have caused delays in passing a $30 billion state budget that includes tax cuts and raises for teachers and state employees.

9/15/2023

Lawmakers Report Progress on State Budget Deal After Earlier Impasse

House and Senate negotiations on the state budget in North Carolina are making "major progress" and are close to reaching a deal, following earlier breakdowns over the inclusion of expanded gambling.

9/17/2023

NC Republicans Link Medicaid Expansion to Casinos in Budget Proposal, Drawing Criticism from Gov. Cooper

North Carolina Republican lawmakers are considering a new plan that combines Medicaid expansion with the authorization for four new casinos, a move that has garnered criticism from the Democratic governor.

9/19/2023

House GOP Faces Internal Divisions Over Plan to Avert Government Shutdown

House Republicans are facing difficulty in reaching a consensus on a plan to fund the government, causing a delay in a planned procedural vote as they work towards finding agreement within their ranks.

9/20/2023

House Republicans Negotiating Spending Deal to Avoid Shutdown

House Republicans are working to find a plan that will keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown, but face opposition from conservative lawmakers who want deeper spending cuts attached to the proposed legislation.

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Posted 9/13/2023, 5:13:07 PM

N.C. budget negotiations continue as gambling expansion remains sticking point

Tempers cooled as House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate Leader Phil Berger met to negotiate state budget stalled over gambling expansion plan.
Moore backed off threat to strip out gambling language and pass budget without it, wants to explore options before that.
Berger wants Moore to call bluff of gambling opponents and bring budget to vote as is, thinks votes are there.
Budget over 2 months late but no shutdown as state operates on old budget until new one passed.
Failure to agree on gambling holding up Medicaid expansion, which was tied to budget passage.

wral.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/7/2023

Top NC Republican: Budget or bust for gambling expansion

9/7/2023

Not enough GOP votes for expanded gaming in budget, NC House Speaker says

9/11/2023

NC budget talks stall over proposed gambling expansion

Closed-door negotiations to expand legalized gambling in North Carolina have caused delays in passing a $30 billion state budget that includes tax cuts and raises for teachers and state employees.

9/15/2023

Lawmakers Report Progress on State Budget Deal After Earlier Impasse

House and Senate negotiations on the state budget in North Carolina are making "major progress" and are close to reaching a deal, following earlier breakdowns over the inclusion of expanded gambling.

9/17/2023

NC Republicans Link Medicaid Expansion to Casinos in Budget Proposal, Drawing Criticism from Gov. Cooper

9/19/2023

House GOP Faces Internal Divisions Over Plan to Avert Government Shutdown

9/20/2023

House Republicans Negotiating Spending Deal to Avoid Shutdown