Don't bet on a budget deal. Spending plan hits new snag as Republicans duel over gambling expansion

North Carolina House and Senate leaders remain at odds over whether to expand gambling through the budget, creating yet another draw in a months-overdue spending agreement.

Republican House Speaker Tim Moore and GOP Senate leader Phil Berger disagree over how far a Medicaid expansion bill should go.

North Carolina’s Republican-controlled House is refusing to acquiesce to the GOP-led Senate’s call for expanded gambling and allowance of casinos, prompting yet another hurdle for a budget that is now 10 weeks overdue.

While Senate leader Phil Berger wants the budget to be the vehicle for casino allowance, too many House Republicans insist that any gambling proposals move as a standalone bill. Berger wants to force a budget vote, while House Speaker Tim Moore wants nearly all of his House GOP colleagues to reach an understanding before agreeing to a budget.