Lawmakers again began discussing the state budget Thursday evening, hoping to come closer to an agreement.

Senator Tony Rand said it's almost certain a second continuing resolution, or budget deadline, will be needed. The original deadline was June 30, but a continuing resolution gave lawmakers until July 15 to get a balanced spending plan in place.

As lawmakers try to address a $4.7 billion shortfall, there are signs of movement in the budget talks.

"The progress is just too slow I'm dissatisfied with it," Speaker of the House Joe Hackney said.

Hackney said the House and Senate are closer to reaching an agreement than a week ago, and negotiators are ready to work with the Senate through Friday and possibly the weekend.

"I do think we need to stay tonight and work tomorrow and longer than that if we can start making a little progress toward a solution," Hackney said.

Senate finance negotiator Senator Daniel Clodfelter (D-Mecklenburg) said Senate finance negotiators are trying to convince House negotiators to consider parts of a platform to spread out the tax burden.

"We think whatever we do, we ought to restructure the tax system in a way that lets us drop all of our tax rates," Clodfelter said.

Appropriations co-chair Linda Garrou said subcommittees are waiting for more direction.

"If you don't know how much you have to spend, it's hard to know what to do," Garrou said.

One of the biggest questions remaining is how to raise about $1 billion in revenue.

Earlier this week Governor Bev Perdue released a list of suggestions that included a one year temporary, $0.01 sales tax increase. Hackney said it's not out of the question, but State GOP Chairman Tom Fetzer said it's not necessary.

"There's no such thing as a temporary sales tax increase," Fetzer said. "It'll be around for a long, long time."