This year?s legislative session will focus primarily on adjusting the state budget, and you?ll hear several reactions to the governor?s budget plan during the next edition of Carolina Journal Radio. You?ll hear part of Gov. Beverly Perdue?s budget presentation, Joe Coletti?s response, plus commentary from chief Senate budget writer Sen. Linda Garrou, D-Forsyth, and House Minority Leader Rep. Paul Stam. R-Wake.
While the budget will dominate legislative debate this year, there?s a chance lawmakers also will consider expanding the state?s system of taxpayer-funded election campaigns. Some lawmakers believe cities and town should be able to use tax dollars to fund campaigns. Daren Bakst will join us to explain why that?s a bad idea.
Meanwhile, Terry Stoops assesses North Carolina?s pursuit of federal education grant dollars in the president?s Race to the Top program. Speaking of education, we?ll get an update from John Hubisz, adjunct faculty member with N.C. State University?s physics department, about the quality of current middle-school science textbooks. Plus we?ll learn why state lawmakers have been warned they need to change the way they?re funding college scholarships.
