Thanks giving

County officials said thanks today.

Wake County Commissioner Joe Bryan was in the basement cafeteria of the General Assembly building shortly after noon handing out cream-colored thank-you notes from the N.C. Association of County Commissioners.

"Thank you so much for removing the Medicaid burden off the backs of counties and for providing us with additional revenue options so we can manage our growth," the note read. "We truly appreciate how much time and effort you put into this issue for counties."

That was a reference to two items in the budget which reduced Medicaid payments from counties and gave them the option to levy a transfer tax or sales tax if voters approve.

Bryan, who was smiling widely, said he was giving the notes to any legislator, regardless of whether they voted for the budget or not.

"This is a historic session for North Carolina's counties," he said.