RALEIGH -- Lawmakers announced a budget framework earlier this week for the $21.1 billion dollar state spending plan. Included in the proposal, is an average 7% raise in teacher salary.

The Senate has now given the budget tentative approval. The House could vote on the plan by this weekend, before going to the governor's desk.

A budget deal has been on hold since the fiscal year began on July 1st as House and Senate leaders battled over the specifics of teacher raises, among other issues.