Lawmakers should buckle down and focus on the budget Monday.

Right now, the state's government is running on a continuing resolution but that expires on July 15.

Some progress has been made on the state budget, but budget negotiators may not meet they deadline again.

House and Senate Appropriations chairs agreed Friday on the framework of the $18 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year.

The House wanted more money for health and human services while the Senate wanted more for education.

The two reached a compromise setting the stage for subcommittees to decide how much programs, agencies and departments will receive.

The plan is to spend $18.9 billion in state funds this year while raising $990 million in new taxes.

The budget deadline was already extended from June 30 to July 15 and lawmakers say a second continuing resolution will be necessary.

Read More:
NC Democrats Agree To Spending, Tax Framework (7/10/09)