General Assembly works to override veto

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The General Assembly has returned to work the day after Gov. Beverly Perdue issued an historic veto of the budget.

Senators held unusual Monday afternoon committee meetings in hopes of the Legislature completing its regular legislation session by the end of the week.

Lawmakers could adjourn only if the GOP-led House can override Perdue's veto Sunday of a two-year spending plan. Four of the five House Democrats who voted for the final budget that spends nearly $20 billion would have to go along for the override to occur. Some said Monday they plan to continue supporting the budget.

The House rules don't allow for an override vote until at least Wednesday.

Perdue is North Carolina's first chief executive to veto the budget bill.