The Southern Highland Reader

STATEWIDE–Governor Beverly Perdue’s first budget, made one of the most challenging in state history by the current economic downturn and by a state budget gap, was released today.

North Carolina’s budget, by state law, must be balanced, and Perdue started work on this budget facing a shortfall of over $2 billion.

She made it clear from the outset that many program cuts would be made, and that none would be protected. She also stressed that education and job creation would be her priorities. A first glance at her budget shows that to be true, particularly in terms of education.

Included in her budget were these education proposals, according to the Raleigh News and Observer:

• $350 million increase for education, from kindergarten through college.
• No new bond projects.
• Cuts at the state Department of Public Instruction and local school administrative staff.
• $3 million added for low-income schools.
• 12 additional early-college high schools spread across the state but concentrated in rural areas.
• A “founder’s tax credit” that will encourage entrepreneurship at universities.

Another excerpt:

Spending would be slashed across every single category of the state budget. The state Department of Correction would be hit particularly hard with a loss of 527 jobs and a budget reduced by $68 million. Universities will lose $167 million and 73 jobs.

Earlier posts from us here.

More coverage from the N&O here.

Tags: Education, Governor Beverly Perdue, North Carolina, Raleigh, Raleigh News and Observer

Related posts:

1. Perdue asks state agencies for more cuts
2. Mountain programs face the chopping block as NC lawmakers deal with budget deficit
3. Perdue will “hold the line” on tuition increases
4. Gov. Perdue’s budget due Tuesday, to include major cuts
5. Governor shoots down budget deal

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