The big news of the day was the release of the Governor’s proposed budget. Everyone is still combing through it, but the big items include keeping most of a temporary sales tax in place, cutting the corporate income tax rate, eliminating 10,00 state jobs (of which 3,000 are currently filled), an early retirement buy out option for state workers, and consolidating state agencies. See the full coverage below in the news clips. At first blush there are no major changes to the NCDOT budget that would be concerning, except for a $3.8 million recurring cut to public transportation. As we review the budget further we will send more information.
Members of the Joint Transportation Appropriations Committee heard a presentation today by the DMV.
The DCHC MPO has sent this letter to their delegation in support of the NCDOT’s urban loop prioritization process. There has been discussion at the General Assembly about the order of the loops. Be sure to be communicating with your delegation on this issue.
We are hearing that there may be bills introduced this session to transfer state roads to local government (referred to before as the 5,000 mile transfer). We have seen these bills before and were successful in stopping the idea by sending resolutions from cities to members of the General Assembly making our position clear. You can find our updated roads resolution here and strongly suggest your city council and MPO pass the resolution and send copies to all members of your delegation. (If you need a Word version of the resolution just email me at JWhite@nclm.org.)
The House announced their Redistricting Committee this week and said they intend to deliver the new maps to the U.S. Justice Department by May 15th.
The Governor indicated today that she has not made up her mind yet on a possible veto of SB 13 Balanced Budget Act of 2011.
S 9 Make Synthetic Cannabinoids Illegal will be heard in House Health and Human Services at 10 AM on Tuesday.
Last but certainly not least, we are very excited to have confirmed Speaker of the House Tillis as our dinner speaker next week in Greensboro at our Winter Meeting. We will also hear from Governor Perdue, U.S. Senator Hagan, President Pro Temp Berger and our three 2010 Legislative Award Winners. It is sure to be an exciting and informative meeting.
As always, call me with any questions at all.
Julie White
