Perdue gives first State of the State

ryanteaguebeckwith — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:46:24 -0400

Gov. Beverly Perdue pledged to raise per-student spending even as the economy worsens.

In her first State of the State speech before the legislature last night, Perdue said she would include more money for secondary and elementary schools in her budget even as she cuts money for other programs.

Her 27-minute speech was slightly shorter than average for a North Carolina governor. It also did not include calls for any sweeping new programs. (N&O)

Perdue did not give any specifics about numbers or where she might look for cuts in her budget, but she was clear that nobody would be happy with her proposed budget. (GN-R)

She also pledged to bring more transparency and accountability to governement, standing up to the "sweet seductions of special interests" and the "temptations of politically popular pork-barrel spending." (WS-J)

Perdue made no mention of taxes in the speech. (RMT) Lawmakers gave the speech high marks, but said the proof will be in the specific cuts she proposes next week. (ENCT)

newsobserver.com projects - Perdue gives first State of the State - Comments

Perdue gives first State of the State