RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – It’s been nearly two months since the initial July 1 deadline for North Carolina lawmakers to pass a state budget, and top Democrats say Republicans are not doing their jobs.

Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. Democrats say they have largely been left out of budget talks, so their hands are tied, and the blame for the budget delay falls on Republicans.

“Here in North Carolina, it feels like Groundhog Day, because year after year we wake up with the same reality, and that’s the failure of Republicans in the General Assembly,” Senator Sydney Batch said.

At the General Assembly on Wednesday, it was mostly empty halls as Republicans opted to make this week a non-voting week, meaning no chance of any budget passing.

“After school pro

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