The General Assembly has given final legislative approval to North Carolina budget adjustments for the coming year. Now, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper must decide whether to again formally challenge Republicans with his veto stamp.

The House voted 66-44 on Friday for the $23.9 billion spending plan after close to two more hours of debate. Members spoke much longer for and against the measure Thursday before giving it initial approval. The Senate already wrapped up its budget debate.

Cooper can sign the bill into law, veto it or let it become law without his signature. He vetoed the budget last year, but legislative Republicans overrode it.

Speaker Tim Moore said the measure is “a great budget” that provides robust state employee pay raises and continues to build on public education. But Democrats call the plan inadequate and criticized the parliamentary process Republicans used to negotiate it.