Perdue taps Rainy Day Fund

In the midst of an economic crisis that's getting scarier by the day, it's time to ask whether NC taxpayers can really afford our portion that we pay for some 1,000 military bases overseas.

A lot of people here are critical of Perdue, and while I was certainly critical of her during her campaign (voted against her in the primary and general elections), so far--and it's still very early--she seems to be a slight improvement over Easley, though that's not saying much.

Also, if there's ever a time to use a Rainy Day Fund, it's now; so I can't fault on that at least.

I believe Gov. Perdue has the "testicular fortitude" to face the hard issues and work us through this economic downturn. She has looked at the different agencies and asked them to make substantial cuts.If they do not make satisfactory cuts, Gov. Perdue will help them make the difficult decisions. She has to find the monies to pay the bills.If it is a temporary loan from the "rainy day fund" or the "lottery", she is doing so to fulfill her Constitutional requirements. She has asked us as good citizen to help her in the fight. Being the children of those who have made North Carolina Great - let us strive to carry on this rich tradition. This can be our legacy !!!

It is so easy to be an armchair critic....but do any of you have any viable ideas for fixing not only the State's fiscal situation but the global fiscal problems as a well? These are not easy times for any of us. Sitting around blaming one political party or another for all these ills is not going to get anyone anywhere. While the daily news is grim, one can only have a positive outlook. Cheers!

Thank GOD we only have 4 years with her... by that time none of us will have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of ... We the people of North Carolina cannot afford MORE TAXES ... we are taxed to death now... First the lottery (had no business messing with that) and now money she does not need to mess with either.... But hay send me about 2.5 million I NEED HELP TOO.... Why waste money on highways and bridges we don't need .. we are doing fine the way we are now WITHOUT THEM..... Use that money toward the short fall/ over spending that you politicians seam to do REALLY GOOD....

Where do you even begin to start with this one?
Lets be sure and cover the insurance for our government workers with the dollars from all the tax payers "Rainy Day Fund". Now where in the hell does that make sense? Would those aspiring and grateful state employees like to come back to the real world and pay their own insurance premiums like the rest of us, that is if you can even afford health insurance? Doubtful is that answer, because they are apparently in that entitlement slurry and they will never do with out.
Bev, Frank Perdue is rolling over in his grave at your bad judgement and reckless spending. Remember his moniker "It takes a tough bird to make a tender chicken"- You have a lot to learn about everything in business, much less government except waste and you have that covered hands down.

I cannot honestly tell you I like this woman for anything! Anyone who voted for her and "most" (Kay Hagen)other democrats (not all, like Brad Miller) will be totally sorry! She has delayed some of her campaign promises and is going to screw this state into the worst possible way it can be. I cannot believe all these taxes she wants to impose or is thinking about imposing on a state full of people that don't have jobs due to her wanting cut backs (laying people off). I am so sick of being taxed every freaking time I turn around. The higher office always thinks to tax everything for their misdeeds and pork barrel spending. If you believe a word this woman says, then you are as bad off as she is!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VOTE REPUBLICAN next time!!!!!!!!

Perhaps the governor will remember there are many residents in this state that are not state government employees that also need help.

Ryan,

How much did she seize? The whole thing?

Wouldn't it take some time to liquidate the Rainy Day Fund? Isn't it invested in bonds and other interest bearing securities?

Repub. Gov. Arnold in Cali begrudingly agreed to the following:

"The state budget calls for a 0.25 percent increase on taxable income for 2009. That means paying additional state tax of about $125 for taxpayers filing jointly with $50,000 in taxable income, $250 for taxpayers filing jointly with $100,000 in taxable income, and $1,250 for taxpayers filing jointly with $500,000 in taxable income."

NC cannot pay its bills but state agency UNC can spend
hundreds of millions on sports teams.
Fire all the UNC System coaches and use the money
for real needs.

$787 million in rainy day funds among a $21.4 billion budget is a pretty thin umbrella for the hailstorm we're facing now. As Democrats increased state spending by billions of dollars over the last decade they probably should have expanded the Rainy Day Fund at the same time. Democrats in this state can spend money with the best of them, but they don't save it very well.