In his town hall forums, House Speaker Thom Tillis continues to get tough questions about how to better fund schools.
On Friday in Waxhaw, he gave a long-winded answer suggesting that new taxes and fees aren't on the table for consideration until the state looks at selling off unneeded assets. (Read a Charlotte Observer report on the visit here.)
He first mentioned selling Rex Hospital: "We own a hospital that is valued at somewhere over $1.2 billion," Tillis said. "We are looking at: should we continue be in that business, it's a very contentious issue. But the last time I checked there's a lot of hospitals not owned by the state that are doing just fine. And is there a way to free that up and use some of the money for the university system which owns it and use some of the money for education and health and human services purposes."
Next he highlighted a potential sale of the North Carolina Railroad: "We are the only state in the country that owns a railroad," he said, noting its value at $200-250 million. "If other states figured out how not to own a railroad, and do just fine, could we?"
The folks at ProgressNC, who posted the video, used the answer to suggest that Tillis "still can't get his story straight." They note that he previously blamed teacher layoffs on local superintendents.
The speaker's office suggested that Tillis' isn't taking a stand on whether to sell the UNC-owned Rex or the railroad, but just putting the ideas on the table.
Comments
Typical "bright idea" of a
October 4, 2011 - 12:17pm — NotaliberalTypical "bright idea" of a short sighted politician. Sort of like selling off all the old houses on Blount Street. They wasted the money realized before it came in and then someone thought about all the state agency offices that were displaced and all the parking spots lost. So their "cost savings" measure resulted in money they wasted and then in costs in rent and building new buildings. Perhaps not the best example, but the idea of a one time selling off assets to pay continuing bills is extremely short sighted. Sort of like selling your house to make your car payment????
Great Idea
October 4, 2011 - 8:05am — louisburgpatriotSelling off the North Carolina Railroad is a great idea. Contrary to jjsmith2's hysteria that opening up a conversation regarding selling off the railroad, I fully support tightening our belt and getting rid of excess.
Liberals like Hackney and his NCAE allies have resorted to dishonesty to discredit the Republican General Assembly. Heck, they have even created little "attack" organizations (ProgressNC) to muddy the truth.
I am sure the N&O cannot say this otherwise Governor Perdue and the Democrats would condemn them to liberal h$ll, but according to DPI reports, the Democrats have cut more in education from 2009 -2010...by three times.
But the Democrats do not bother with facts...
Mortgaging the State's future
October 3, 2011 - 8:07pm — jjsmith2Is this really the Republican plan? Sell off all the State's assets until the State has nothing else left.
What's next Thom? Selling off NC State, UNC, and the rest of the UNC System?
The Republicans have been nothing but a joke.