Berger, Tillis React to Governor’s Budget

Raleigh, N.C. – Speaker of the House Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg) and Senate President Pro-Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) today were briefed on Gov. Bev Perdue’s budget, prior to the Governor’s appearance at a press conference to release her budget to the public.  Tillis and Berger met with Perdue staffers at the Legislative Building early Thursday morning to discuss details of the Governor’s two-year spending plan.

“We are pleased that the Governor has provided her budget to the legislature, and we appreciate the opportunity to sit down with her staff before the public announcement,” said Tillis.  “We anticipate a close working relationship with the Governor and her staff as we move through the budgetary process.”

According to Senator Berger, Republicans are ready to begin balancing next year’s budget with the governor’s proposal as a starting point. “While we have different ideas on how to tackle the budget deficit, one thing is certain: we will not raise taxes.”

Tillis also expressed concerns over aspects of the Governor’s funding plans:  “I am concerned that Gov. Perdue decided to raise taxes in the next budget cycle,” Tillis said.  “North Carolinians have been taxed enough.  It’s time we found ways to balance our budget without doing so on the backs of our taxpayers.”

Tillis was referring to Perdue’s inclusion of a ¾ cent sales tax, the so-called “temporary tax,” which was set to expire this year.  Perdue promised not to extend the tax when it was implemented last year.  When asked how voters could be assured the taxes would not be extended or become permanent, Perdue simply said “I’m the Governor.”

“I am troubled by the fact that Gov. Perdue is breaking her own pledge to the people of North Carolina,” said Berger.  “Instead of making tough decisions, Perdue is trying to balance the budget on the backs of North Carolina taxpayers and shift huge costs down to local governments.  We can do better.”

Tillis and Berger also raised concerns by what appears to be a billion-dollar hole in the Governor’s budget.  “We’re still reviewing, but early indications suggest to us that there are significant funds either left out of the budget or being passed on to local governments,” said Tillis.

Still, Republican legislative leaders say they will carefully review the budget and will work with the Governor to solve the budget problems.  “This is a complex budget that cannot be dissected in one morning,” said Tillis.  “Sen. Berger and I are committed to a careful review and a comprehensive budget process, and that process will require us to work closely with the Governor and her staff.  That is exactly what we intend to do.”

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