(RALEIGH) -- Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue does not seem worried that five House Democrats sided with Republicans to pass the $19.3 billion state budget by a veto-proof margin. Perdue said the vote would not affect her ability to negotiate with Republican  leaders.

"I've had conversations with mostly the House members and intend to have conversations with the Senate.  Obviously I'm willing to talk and work as much as possible, but I refuse to be the first governor in North Carolina's history who backs away from public schools, who backs away from children," said Perdue.

The governor also said she could still count on the five Democrats at a later time. “They will be with me when the going gets tough if we have to make hard decisions. I can take that to the bank.”

The budget bill now heads over to the Senate for consideration.