JLF’s Becki Gray — who has parked herself at the state legislature and is blogging to keep us all informed about the budget negotations — reports that Sen. Neal Hunt (R-Wake) attempted to cut some spending and send a symbolic message to taxpayers but was on the losing end of the vote related to the Senate’s $20 billion budget plan. From Becki’s blog:
After an explanation by appropriation committee chairs, Sen. Neal Hunt, R-Wake, proposes an amendment to reduce the salaries of highly paid state employees like heads of agencies — but not judges or elected officials — by 5 percent. He calls it is symbolic to all who are struggling. Senate Rules Chairman Tony Rand, D-Cumberland, moves to lay the amendment on the table (in other words, he moves to kill the amendment). The vote to kill it: 28 to 20.
Interesting. Sen. Rand has no problem keeping secret the mystery taxes that would help fund the Senate’s version of the budget, but he has a big problem with a transparent proposal that would address spending and send a powerful message.
You can hear JLF’s Joe Coletti’s assessment of the Senate plan here. And, to find out which senators voted “yes” on the budget and which voted “no,” check out Becki’s list here. Be sure to keep your eye out for Becki’s blogs today in The Locker Room as the Senate prepares to take the final required budget vote before the action moves over to the House.
