LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
FROM: GENE CAUSBY
July 07, 2010

I'm sure you are aware that both the Senate and the House went from a majority Democrat to a majority Republican.  The new numbers as a result of the election are now:

 

House........67 Republicans    52 Democrats    1 Unaffiliated

Senate........31 Republicans    19 Democrats

 

This means that there will be new leadership in both Houses and dramatic changes in the make-up of committees.  Wlhen this information is available I will get it to you.  Most of the speculation now is that the new speaker will either be Representative Stam from Wake County or Representataive Tillis from Mecklenburg.  There is strong speculation that the new President ProTemp of the Senate will be Senator Phil Berger from Eden.

 

The new session will certainly have many challenges.  They will face a revenue shortfall between 3.5 B and 4 B.  The Federal Stimulus money will be ending also.  Governor Purdue has required DPI and all other state agencies to prepare proposals to cut 5%, 10%, and 15%.  During the last two years state spending for education has been reduced by 682 M.

 

An additional cut for K-12 schools by:

 

5%  would be another $394.4 M

10% would be another $788.9 M

15% would be another $1,183.4 B

 

Obviously these are frightening facts.  Just as obviously, damage could occur that would have ripple effects well into the future.  We must all put forth our best efforts to minimize the damage.  I will certainly do my best and keep you informed.  You must work diligently with your own elected officials.