"The governor has signed the budget and thanks legislators for their hard work," said a statement from Easley's office. "He looks forward to the General Assembly finishing work on important remaining issues including legislation on drought, home foreclosure and mental health."

The budget includes modest pay increases for teachers and most state employees, no tax increases and a record $857 million in borrowing without voter approval for construction projects.

Lawmakers approved the budget last week, but Easley has been negotiating for additional money for his Learn and Earn initiative that provides high school students with a four-year college degree tuition free.

He had until the end of Friday to decide whether to sign or veto the budget before it became law -- if the legislature remained in session.

If they had left by then, Easley would have received another 30 days to make a decision.

Easley did not hold a public signing of the budget bill as he has in years past.