Democratic, Republican leadership respond to Perdue’s budget proposal
N.C. Democratic Party Chair David Young on Gov. Perdue’s Budget Proposal
“During these tough economic times, Governor Perdue is showing the kind of leadership we need. While our state faces significant challenges, Governor Perdue is continuing to focus on our future by improving and protecting education and investing in job creation and workforce development.
“It’s a responsible and forward-thinking budget that protects critical services and ensures North Carolina will continue to move forward and be well positioned when the nation’s economy turns around.”
N.C.Republican Party Chairwoman Linda Daves on Gov. Perdue’s Budget Proposal
North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Linda Daves released the following statement in response to the release of Gov. Beverly Perdue’s proposed budget.
“The test of true leadership is not merely making tough decisions. It is making the right decisions. Unfortunately, Governor Perdue’s new budget breaks previous promises to abstain from raising taxes and does not protect core priorities of state government. Not only does Governor Perdue propose raising taxes as well as creating new taxes, she is balancing the budget by placing the burden on some our state’s taxpayers least able to afford to pay more in difficult times.
“She also devotes less than six percent of new education spending to dropout prevention even though one in three North Carolina students are dropping out, a figure above the national average. Governor Perdue’s budget reflects some of the deepest cuts in the areas of public safety and mental health even though these areas of state government are in crisis and most in need of reform.
“In addition, Governor Perdue relies too heavily on federal stimulus money to cover over the shortfall and leaves our state with an uncertain future. If this money is not available two years from now, we very well may find ourselves back in the same position having learned nothing from the past mistakes made by Democrats in the Governor’s mansion and on Jones Street. A return to fiscal responsibility, smart, efficient spending, and realistic planning for the future is desperately needed as we embark on the budget process.
“I only hope that Governor Perdue and Democrats will allow Republicans to be heard as we work to see that taxpayers get their money’s worth from state government.”
