Beginning at 8:00 tonight, a few additional amendments and a lot of debate and comments on the budget continue for over 3 1/2 hours.They keep calling the budget the restoration program. I guess because, with the tax and fee package they passed, they went back in and funded (or restored) the programs they cut to scare the hell out of people.
Rep. Mickey Michaux D- Durham argues taxes have to be increased to pay for government when the federal stimulus money runs out. Get this budget passed, get it back over to the Senate and get it to the governor by July 1.
Freshman Rep David Guice (R ? Transylvania) speaks of his concerns with the process, the lack of respect for the body, many left out of the budget decisions and prohibited from a seat at the table. This budget will set us back decades. Those in control have not been honest or fair.
We have not examined priorities or streamlined government. We owe the people of North Carolina better.
Citizens from the NC Republican Party state convention who are visiting in the gallery applaud at the conclusion of Guice’s remarks.
Speaker Hackney severely scolds them – tells them if they don’t respect the rules of the House, he’ll clear the gallery, “make no mistake about it”
Rep Larry Hall (D Durham) says you need to step up and vote for benefits and programs that you believe in, not pay attention to hearing from constituents, receiving emails and robocalls.
Rep Thom Tillis (R Mecklenberg) says talks of draconian cuts are just a measure to scare up support to raise taxes. Increased taxes on business with franchise tax and upper level income earners will impact small businesses. Differences in ideology ? Democrat?s option is not acceptable. Priorities should be on finding waste, duplication, and nonessential services. This budget forces people of NC to support a government that is tyrannical and unfair. Educate our children and keep us safe – that’s what government should do – protect the rights to enjoy the fruits of our labor as our constitution provides.
Rep Rick Glazier (D ? Cumberland) says government is about balance. This budget seeks to find a balance between cuts and tax increases. Navigating seas of grey. Can’t attract capital with poor schools, which leave more people in poverty and less correction officers on the street. Claims the process has been transparent. But says you have to show up for the meetings and you have to open your computer and read the information that is available. He argues that the key to all the state’s problems lie in education children.
I don’t agree with his position on much, but he delivered a hell of a speech, passionate.
Rep Nelson Dollar (R-Wake) and Rep Martha Alexander (D ? Mecklenburg) speak against and for the budget respectively.
Minority Leader Rep Skip Stam (R ? Wake) says the bill will hurt the people in a recession. The shortfall this year is actually $1.2 billion short, not $4.5 b like some have claimed. We haven’t looked under every rock for money, turned down $300 match with federal funds. This budget will slow the recovery in North Carolina and he’s voting no.
Rep Alma Adams (D ? Guilford) speaks for the budget. Speaker has been patient and allowed full debate. State is facing devastation with huge cuts. Thank goodness they were able to restore some of those cuts.
Rep Bill Owens (D ? Pasquotank) explains why the budget has gone up so much – state health plan costs more, more kids in community colleges and public schools. Admits there is waste in state government. Bigger the government, the more waste. “I come up here to help people but I’m cutting stuff.”
What about helping the taxpayer??
Rep Dale Folwell (R ? Forsyth) says we are here to advocate for children. This budget exacerbates a generational conflict with huge increase in retirees. Tax differences here and border states that tax less will hurt us. We have the largest unfunded liability in our state health plan – largest in the country. This budget increases the tax base and increases the tax rate.
Rep Deborah Ross (D-Wake) commends Speaker Hackney on the way he has welcomed ideas. Tough decisions being made, and we are not giving enough to mental health and community colleges. If we don’t come out of this quickly, the hole will be bigger next year. We have to face facts and be grown ups.
Rep Justin Burr (R- Stanley) will vote against the budget.
Rep Kelly Alexander (D- Mecklenburg) thinks the process has worked well and likes zero based budgeting. “We may never have this chance again.” Stam asks if the zero based budget provision will survive conference. Alexander says yes and his hand is extended to his friends across the courtyard.
Rep Robert Grady (R ? Onslow) says members are sent here to represent their constituents. Should listen to each other and respect others.
Rep Bill Faison (D-Orange) says collections are down about 20 percent (not sure his number is right) but priorities are in the right place, education, human services and public safety. Public has said cuts alone are not enough, had to restore some of the programs. Had to raise taxes and 57 percent is coming from business.
Majority Leader Rep Hugh Holliman (D Davidson) says that each year the budget defines us. Yes it does and shows where the supporters’ values and priorities are. This sets us on a course to prosper in years to come. (Good thing because we’re all going to be paying for it for years to come.)
House passes $1.8 billion tax and fee budget that continues the growth of government. 2nd Reading vote on the budget bill: 64 yes: 54 no.
Final and 3rd Reading vote will be on the next legislative day, just after midnight.
