Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005 | 9:28 a.m.
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Democrats worked Tuesday to settle differences over pay raises, cigarette taxes and a lottery so they can close a budget deal for state government.
House and Senate Democrats, who hold a majority in the Legislature, met privately for much of the past three days -- in caucus meetings, negotiation sessions and one-on-ones between House Speaker Jim Black and Senate leader Marc Basnight.
"We're getting closer on these things," said Black, D-Mecklenburg.
Legislative leaders want to have their final $17 billion spending blueprint for this year by late Wednesday. The new fiscal year began July 1 without a new plan in place.
Lawmakers have approved two temporary spending measures and accelerated negotiations in recent days because they don't want to have to pass another one to keep state government operating. The second one is set to expire Friday.
"We have produced some gains there in the course of the day and (Monday) night, but it is difficult to plow in," Basnight, D-Dare, told senators on the floor, using a farming analogy. "It's sort of stumpy and rooty as we go down the field."
Negotiations continue to stick on several issues, including the size of a cigarette tax increase and pay raises for state employees and teachers, according to Democrats in both chambers.
The lottery is also on the table, with the House and Senate in a tug-of-war over the specifics of what legislators will approve.
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