Rep. Bill Faison, D-Orange, proposed an amendment that many folks have been concerned about ? a new fee of $100 or $250 for law enforcement officer certification, paid by the officer. All of the money would have gone into the General Fund.
It seems a little unfair to try to balance the budget on the backs of underpaid police officers. But legislators who refuse to prioritize spending are desperate for extra money. The fee would have generated over $8 million a year when fully annualized.
The amendment to eliminate the fee passes overwhelmingly.
In a related slap to policemen, budget writers had also eliminated a tuituion waiver at community colleges that allows law enforcement officers to take classes for free. When discovered, that provision was taken out but not before outraging just about everyone, except Rep Alice Bordsen D-Alamance who reportedly for some reason thought that was a good idea and had it put into the budget.
It’s all about priorities.
