Judy Easley, who was married to the former governor's brother and has remained close to the Easley family, said in an interview that she has been notified by letter that her position could be cut by the end of the month.

"According to the letter, it's in response to the budget crisis," she said.

Asked whether her position was targeted because of her ties to the former governor, who is the subject of state and federal investigations, Judy Easley said she hoped not.

"That's all I'm going to say -- I hope not," she said. (N&0)

Gov. Mike Easley's former sister in law is getting a pay raise and more job security.

Judy Easley, who was married to the governor's brother, went to work for the state Department of Cultural Resources a month after Easley was sworn in for his first term.

She worked as a top assistant to the head of the agency, keeping tabs on about 100 boards and commissions with a particular emphasis on working with the governor's office.

In March, her job classification was changed, making it more difficult to fire her. The change came with new duties and a 10 percent raise. She now makes $70,500.

The change was made without Governor Easley's knowledge, said Staci Meyer, acting secretary of the cultural resources department.

"I made a business decision," Meyer said in an interview. "She is such a valuable piece of what we do. Don't hold it against her because her name is 'Easley.' "

Judy Easley declined to comment. The governor questioned why the changes would produce criticism. (N&O)