In rare Saturday session, the state House and Senate held brief meetings to send a controversial bill linking the state budget and unemployment benefits to Gov. Bev Perdue.

In order to avoid interruption of federal unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed, Perdue would have to weaken her position to negotiate next year's state budget.

Republican leaders said the state needs assurance that government will continue operating if there is no budget finalized by June 30.

Democrats say the GOP is holding hostage unemployed residents.

Filed Under : Unemployment Insurance