Dome Memo: Bad News Bear Market

Submitted by ryanteaguebeckwith on February 20, 2009 - 10:49am.
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DEPRESSING STIMULANT: Gov. Beverly Perdue said the federal stimulus package is still about $150 million short. She plans to use $780 million from the feds to patch the state's $2 billion budget hole, with longtime go-to guy Dempsey Benton overseeing the state's spending. Still, she's going to have to dig a little deeper.

HEALTH PLAN BAILOUT?: Smoking and overeating could get more expensive for state employees. A proposal to keep the state health plan solvent would force smokers and the obese to enroll in the costliest coverage option. Pass the Nicorette and hold the donuts, please.

BAD NEWS FOR STUDENTS: The escheats fund sounds like something that would get you kicked out of school. But it actually helps students go — for now. State Treasurer Janet Cowell warned that the little-known fund for forgotten insurance policies and utility deposits is running dry, which could mean cuts to college scholarships it pays for.

CARD CHECK ... PLEASE? U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan may now have to pay her union dues. Although known as a pro-business Democrat in the legislature, she won labor's backing to the tune of $200,000 last year after pledging to support a "card check" bill that would make unionization easier. Now her vote in Congress could prove crucial to the bill's chances.

IN OTHER NEWS: Perdue's son, Garrett, joins Raleigh law firm as a lobbyist. Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge, Rice and Perdue? Nah, too long. ... The head of the N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association says it will not oppose a smoking ban as written. Look for tobacco lobbyists to try to change the ban's wording. ... Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton didn't get his extra $63 a day for acting as governor while Perdue was on vacation, according to the state controller. No word on whether he turned down tips too.

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Perdue using stimulus to rescue dems overspending

Submitted by concerned53 on February 21, 2009 - 11:57pm.

I didn't know that the objective of Obama's stimulus plan was to patch NC's and other states' budget deficits. It appears that Beverly and other Governors like Arnold are using the stimulus funds to bail themselves out from years of overspending & corruption. Beverly will be also be skimming off her share before any potential "stimulus" money gets to either the cities or their citizens.

Expect the same old favoritism and corruption that we had under Easley.

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Re: Dome Memo: Bad News Bear Market

Submitted by samwatts on February 20, 2009 - 2:30pm.

The rewrite greatly improves the discussion on the health plan. Wasn't wild about the original phrasing. Good work!

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Re: Dome Memo: Bad News Bear Market

Submitted by CitizenOpinionated on February 20, 2009 - 11:03am.

Ryan - I am glad you wrote the post as you did concerning Hagan.

CARD CHECK ... PLEASE? U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan may now have to pay her union dues. Although known as a pro-business Democrat in the legislature, she won labor's backing to the tune of $200,000 last year after pledging to support a "card check" bill that would make unionization easier. Now her vote in Congress could prove crucial to the bill's chances.

On October 28, 2008, Senator Hagan released a campaign press release stating the following regarding being beholden to special interest for campaign support.

"With our economy in the shape it is now, North Carolina simply can’t afford to lose any more jobs because of corporate greed and special interest politics. Kay will work every day to make life better for North Carolina’s families.”

She has been in office less than 100 days and she has already gone against her promises.

But then again, Senator Hagan also said the following on the campaign trail about her views concerning the economy.

"In the U.S. Senate, she will work towards a balanced budget and fiscal constraints, and she will demand we follow pay-as-you-go rules. She will be a diligent steward of taxpayers’ money by fighting against wasteful federal contracts and finding ways to reduce our national debt."

- Thanks to the Hagan campaign for leaving your website up and running as it is even easier to see how many campaign promises you will break.

I understand that the Republicans from 2000-2005 and both parties from 2006-2008 provide a great disservice to Americans, but we have to look forward and do what is best for all Americans and for future Americans.

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