Here’s a quick look at all the pork tucked away in the state’s $20 billion budget that somehow did not find money for roads or prosecutors. Try $205 million worth of pork and pork by-products. And counties got the option to — wait for it — RAISE TAXES.
I swear, nothing short of a RICO prosecution of the General Assembly can stop these crooks.
The low-points, as highlighted by the Civitas Institute:
• $14 million from the Highway Fund for an “economic development” fund. This basically amounts to a slush fund for the 14 members of the Board of Transportation. Each member receives $1 million to spend as they see fit.
• More than $10 million in recurring funds requested by Representative Mickey Michaux (D-Durham) for nonprofit organizations in his district. Groups receiving tax dollars include the N.C. Minority Support Center and the N.C. Community Development Initiative.
• $6.3 million for the N.C. Museum of History Chronology Exhibit Phase I.
• $5 million for a “Western Agricultural Center” arts and crafts building and livestock show arena.
• $5 million over the next two years for “operating support” for North Carolina’s aquariums.
• $3.5 million for the N.C. Center for Automotive Research – for vaguely described research purposes.
• $3 million for an “Eastern Agricultural Center” horse barn.
• $3 million for “N.C. Zoo Plains Barns and Paddocks.”
• $3 million to the Johnson & Wales University – a private university in Charlotte that “specializes in the culinary and
hospitality industries.” It’s no secret this money is being allocated to fulfill a promise made by former Speaker Jim Black (D-Mecklenburg).• $2.1 million as requested by Representative James Crawford (D-Granville) for the “Kerr-Tar Regional Economic Development Corporation,” which specifically targets Crawford’s district.
• $1.2 million to “provide transportation services for annual or semiannual trade shows of international significance.” In other words, a chauffeur service for conventions.
Lovely. Let’s hear it for our fine Mecklenburg County delegation.
