On the Budget: Ray Rapp

Rep. Ray Rapp
Mars Hill Democrat
Fourth Term

What two things would you cut in the state budget? He said he is working with others on the House education budget committee to look at "how we might combine More at Four into Smart Start."

The state has the opportunity to cut overhead while providing for continuity in pre-school programs, he said.

The legislature asked for an examination of all school funding formulas. The state has funds for disadvantaged students, low-wealth schools and a small school fund that includes 81 systems, he said.

There are some cases "where we've piled money on money."

Are there any taxes you would be in favor of increasing? Sin taxes, where the revenue is used for health programs. "Sen. (Marc) Basnight has raised that. That has to be looked at."

— Lynn Bonner