The General Assembly's compromise budget bill is now heading to Gov. Mike Easley's desk.

The House gave its final legislative approval to the spending plan Tuesday by a vote of 97-20. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate backed the plan 32-14. Both chambers gave tentative approval to the plan Monday night.

Easley will be asked to sign the bill into law. He could also veto the bill or allow it to become law without his signature.

The governor was unhappy at times with his fellow Democrats during two weeks of intense House-Senate negotiations. Lawmakers ultimately agreed to delay a pair of tax breaks and make some spending reductions.