Legislature adjourns after passing record budget

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Legislature ended its 2019 session late Friday amid a rebounding economy that freed up lawmakers to greatly boost state spending on education, human services and infrastructure projects.

Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, the Senate's presiding officer, hit the final gavel at 10:05 p.m. House members officially completed their work at 10:15 p.m. after finishing a brief chorus of "Auld Lang Syne."

The session lasted 76 days, just short of the 80-day maximum set by the North Dakota Constitution.

Lawmakers from both sides exchanged handshakes and hugs after a marathon day that came to an end after the Legislature completed work on a record $14.7 billion, two-year budget that includes federal aid.

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(Norfolk Virginian-Pilot)