The headline reads, “NC to Miss $51 Billion in Federal Money.” The text below says the numbers are likely exaggerated. A more pragmatic calculation arrives closer to $18 billion over the next decade with the state providing a match of about $2 billion per year. Then, as usual, there is no guarantee the federal government will keep its word and pay as much as it says in its sales pitches. Governor Pat says he does not support spending more of the federal deficit on feel-good until waste, fraud, and abuse can be better managed.