North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue told congressional Democrats she’s working on the state’s budget shortfall but needs federal assistance quickly and with few strings attached.

Perdue and other governors spoke Friday to the U.S. House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference in Williamsburg, Va.

The speech was closed to the public. But in prepared remarks released by her office, Perdue urged House members to work out a compromise with the Senate that would distribute money to states as soon as possible.

Perdue said North Carolina needs flexibility so it isn’t penalized for spending more money than other states in the past on education.

Perdue recently projected using $900 million in federal money to help narrow a $2 billion budget shortfall this year.