The Latest: Cooper defends spending increase as 'catch up'

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — The Latest on North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper releasing his two-year state government budget proposal (all times local):

The new Democratic governor has framed his two-year spending plan as one that would ultimately make the state a national leader in graduation rates and pre-kindergarten.

The governor also wants to issue $350 million in debt for university and state government building projects.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's budget proposal would increase North Carolina state government spending by $1.1 billion next year while giving teachers and state employee raises, reducing waiting lists for pre-kindergarten programs and expanding Medicaid.

Democrat Roy Cooper is unveiling his first state budget as North Carolina's governor, a proposal expected to focus heavily on public education.