With the House and Senate still at odds over their tax plans, a new state budget likely won’t pass in time for the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. If a deal isn’t reached, lawmakers may leave town at the end of the month and return when differences have been worked out.

Senate Leader Phil Berger told CBS 17 this week that the two sides have hundreds of differences, and House Speaker Destin Hall said there’s no sense of urgency to reach a compromise.

“We don’t feel a pressure here really to pass a budget by July 1, again because of the prior changes in the law, the money continues just like it was under the prior budget,” Rep. Hall said.

State functions and paychecks will continue without a new budget, but proposed raises will not be added until a deal is reached. Hall also says they are committed to promptly getting state employees and teachers raises, so he’s also keeping that in mind.

This week’s episode of the SEANC View Podcast discusses what the delay means for state employees and retirees and the ongoing dispute between the State Health Plan and CVS Caremark.

With the two sides at odds, there’s still time to contact your House and Senate lawmakers and tell them to support state employees and retirees. Click the button below to do so.