Writing in the News of Orange County, Rep. Bill Faison (D-Caswell/Orange) recaps the legislative session and ends his piece with this: (emphasis is mine)
I enjoy working for you in the legislature. There is still a lot to get done, including bringing high-speed internet at an affordable price to everyone in our district. We need to cut the dropout rate and do more for education (both teachers and students), provide for our seniors and those in need of more and better job opportunities. We need to see that everyone receives fair and equal treatment from state government regardless of race. Caswell and northern Orange counties need a strong and effective voice in the legislature. I will run for my seat again in 2010.
In looking back at the legislative session, here’s how Faison – who voted for the new state budget — casts the document and the tax hikes. (emphasis is mine)
The state can only spend on education, Medicaid and other services what it collects. Even with stimulus money, cuts to education and Medicaid were too deep. New taxes and fees were raised to make up some of the short fall and protect education and Medicaid. At least the additional sales tax is temporary.
Technically, yes. But does Rep. Faison expect North Carolinians to really believe that’s how this will work out?