The North Carolina House debated for seven hours before approving their state budget plan Wednesday night in the first of two votes.
The house voted in favor of the proposal 77-41 and the next vote is expected today, according to the Associated Press.
The House proposal, like the Senate’s plan released three weeks ago, manages $20.6 billion over two years. Now both chambers must compromise with Gov. Pat McCrory to form a collaborative budget by the end of the month.
The House’s budget plan could harm college students, as it would cut the University of North Carolina system’s funding more than the Senate’s proposal. However, the House’s plan would allocate more money for public schools.
Of that $20.6 billion, the House wants to set aside $400 million for budget emergencies and government building repairs.