The Latest: N Carolina Senate gives initial OK to budget

The Senate voted 38-11 for the two-year spending plan Tuesday after only about 40 minutes of floor debate.

A few Senate Democrats joined all Republicans voting in support of the measure despite criticisms of the spending plan by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.

Republican Senate leader Phil Berger of Eden says the plan provides the appropriate balance between spending for services and allowing taxpayers to keep more of their money.

The state budget deal reached by Republicans at the North Carolina General Assembly contains much that lawmakers will support but plenty that could cause Democrats such as Gov. Roy Cooper to oppose the plan.

The agreement reached by House and Senate GOP negotiators includes pay raises for teachers and state employees and a retiree pension increase.