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Sunday Roundup
posted at 2008-06-29 14:12 | Last modified 2008-06-29 14:12
Governor Mike Easley minced no words in this statement on today's state budget talks. He says lawmakers need to cut more to balance the budget…
"The General Assembly cannot ignore reality. The very latest numbers verify that we remain short of the estimates that legislative budget writers are currently using."
…but not from his favorite programs, of course.
“It makes no sense to cut pre-kindergarten for the state’s poorest children just to pay for a 32-cent per week tax cut for families that costs $13 million. ..Teachers get shafted in this budget.”
Sigh. It’s looking like a long week.
Other budget news
The N&O's Dan Kane takes a closer look at a special provision that could hold up the budget this week.
Asheville’s Jordan Schrader says lottery money could factor into the debate, too.
The Insider’s Scott Mooneyham and I talked budget with NBC-17’s Kim Gennardo on this weekend’s At Issue. It’s online here.
Greensboro ed writer Doug Clark takes a jab at legislative leaders for closing reporters out of the budget conference process. G'boro's Mark Binker replies by explaining how state laws technically allow it. NB: Binker is not endorsing what the big chairs did – just explaining that it’s not illegal.
I’m with Binker. Reporters ought to be allowed to watch the whole process. The only way to ensure that, though, is to change the laws that make it possible to lock us out.
In non-budget news
The N&O's Dan Kane had a great profile Saturday of one of my favorite Jones St. characters, Senior House Budget Chair Mickey Michaux.
The N&O's Lynn Bonner says the billboard bill is up again. Every year, the outdoor advertising folks argue for the right to cut down more trees in front of their billboards. The business-friendly Senate has already okayed it. But it’s never made it through the House. Smart money says it won’t this year, either.
Greensboro’s Mark Binker looks at the likely fortunes of a pack of anti-smoking laws currently under consideration.
In case you missed it: NC had a second primary Tuesday. Looks like just about everyone missed it -- the AP’s Mike Baker says turnout was just 1.9 percent. Charlotte's Jim Morrill reports some precincts in Mecklenberg had one voter each.
The AP’s Gary Robertson reports Pat McCrory is attacking state Dems for filing an open records request he says will cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Republican prez candidate John McCain was in NC today. The AP’s Liz Sidoti says McCain met with Billy and Franklin Graham at the family home near Montreat. (Bonus: Ricky Skaggs showed up for lunch!) McCain’s opponent Barack Obama has also met with Franklin Graham.
The latest from Wilmington
The Wilmington Journal reportedly told print readers Friday that its website was hacked last week. The only pages deleted were a story critical of State Senator Julia Boseman and a scathing editorial calling for her resignation. (Both are back up now, by the way.)
Also Friday, the Star's Vicky Eckenrode reported Boseman has requested an audit of the Southeastern Center for Mental Health, much to the surprise of its director. More here.
The Star’s Gareth McGrath reported Thursday that more properties belonging to Boseman may be auctioned off soon. Boseman addressed her critics Wednesday after WECT reported on a protest outside her fundraiser.
This never-ending saga is shaping up to be the year's top political soap opera. But will it be renewed for another season? Stay tuned.
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