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Sunday Roundup
posted at 2009-02-08 18:53 | Last modified 2009-02-08 23:25
The N&O’s Ben Niolet had a nicely put-together think piece today on the possibility of cuts to the public payroll, and what that might mean for state and local services. It was a hot topic on Jones St. this week, too. Senate leader Marc Basnight recently said he doesn’t think layoffs will be necessary, but Senate Budget Co-Chair Linda Garrou was a lot less optimistic after Tuesday’s budget briefing.
That may be an area that we need to look at. You know, we certainly hope that we won’t come to that, but that way may be where we’re headed.
On the House side, Speaker Joe Hackney’s spokesman was diplomatically non-committal.
The Speaker hopes the state can avoid layoffs, but contingency planning is always good.
Governor Bev Perdue has ordered agencies to prepare proposals for job cuts. Even last month, when the budget picture wasn’t quite so grim yet, she was already predicting cuts were likely.
Yeah, of course I’m concerned. You know, I really AM concerned. A seven percent cut? There’re gonna be some agencies that have to lay people off… You can’t FIND two billion dollars without making tough choices.
You can hear her whole Jan. 16th comment below.
Listen Now!
School cuts
UNC system officials are warning that a 7 percent cut could cost 1700 jobs. But the AP reports some lawmakers think college officials are engaging in the time-honored tradition of the worst-case scenario in hopes of avoiding the budget ax. (UNC leaders don’t agree, of course.)
Education was the topic of this week’s NC Spin, too. I was on with John Dornan, Chris Fitzsimon, Brad Crone, and host Tom Campbell. If you missed it, catch it online here.
Elsewhere
At the Fay-O, Paul Woolverton says new state Transportation Sec. Gene Conti got his signals crossed on federal funding for I-295. Woolverton’s new blog, The People’s Business, launched this week – check it out.
The buzz story of the weekend is Union Republican Eddie Goodall’s not-serious attempt to auction off his state Senate chair (the furniture, not the office) for tickets to the Duke-UNC game. Dome broke it Friday; the AP followed up with a more detailed account here.
Gov. Ubiquitous?
Another week, another whirlwind round of appearances by Governor Beverly Perdue. Some were predictable, like Jim Long’s funeral; some less so, like her trip to VA as one of four governors invited to address Congressional Dems.
But I think her best move of the week was her surprise visit to the Raleigh employment office. And it wasn't just a photo op, either - she reportedly talked with several real people who were looking for jobs. Some will argue that it’s just PR, but still, it matters. It’s probably more important now than it’s been in a long time for leaders to be visible and accessible. Her ESC visit shows she’s in touch with how the downturn is affecting everyday people. Very smart.
Gone to the dogs
The N&O's Rob Christensen brought tears to my eyes with his column today, a beautifully-written tribute to his beloved Corgi, Cleo. If you haven't read it, do.
But there were also a lot of NOT-heartwarming headlines about dogs this week. Friday’s bust of a Wayne County puppy mill yielded 300 dogs in varying stages of neglect. WNCT’s story on it is here. And Greensboro’s Jonnelle Davis reports hard times are boosting already-high euthanasia rates at Triad area shelters.
State lawmakers have already filed a bill to mandate how shelters can euthanize unwanted animals. I’m sure I’m not the only animal lover who wishes those lawmakers would put half as much effort into making euthanasia less necessary. Maybe they could start by banning puppy mills, which, believe it or not, are still legal in NC. Just a thought.
Comments? Drop me a line.
