Governor Proposes Budget
Tuesday, May 13 2008
by Dave DeWitt
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The general assembly begins its short session today. And the first order of business will be taking a look at Governor Mike Easley’s proposed budget. Dave DeWitt reports.
The governor’s 300-page proposed budget includes everything from a 7 percent salary increase for the state’s public-school teachers to expanding the polar bear exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo. But the most controversial proposal is an increase in the cigarette and alcohol taxes. The cigarette tax would go up 20 cents a pack. The alcohol tax would go up by 4 percent. Governor Easley calls it a good budget.
"The budget makes progress in education, human services, public safety and economic development that we need."
The 21-billion dollar budget now goes to the General Assembly.
