NC budget talks stall over proposed gambling expansion

Closed-door negotiations continue on expanding legalized gambling in NC budget
Budget includes tax cuts, teacher raises, Medicaid expansion, but gambling issue has delayed it
Legislative leaders want 4 new casinos and video poker machines statewide
Conservative legislators' votes may be key as budget drama unfolds
Democratic minority largely left out of negotiations; Gov. Cooper hasn't seen budget

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.

9/13/2023

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

Republican lawmakers in the General Assembly of North Carolina are negotiating a state budget plan that was derailed by a controversial proposal to expand legalized gambling, which has caused delays in the budget approval and heated discussions between the House and Senate's Republican leadership.

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.