53 Days: “The Legislature Needs to do its Job.” | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    RALEIGH: Today marks 53 days since Governor Cooper and Democratic leaders presented a detailed budget compromise. But instead of negotiating, the GOP would rather pass a series of "mini budgets" and keep General Assembly in session until Christmas to get the exact budget they want.

    Where is the Republican counteroffer?

    "Mini budgets" are just another way for Republicans to ignore that they do not have the votes to override the Governor's veto, costing North Carolina taxpayers millions of dollars. It's time for Republican leaders to stop playing political games and get to work.

    From today's editorial from WRAL:

• "The House of Representatives, since June 28 - 64 days ago - has failed to do its job. There has been no vote on the veto. Meanwhile Cooper, waiting for an override vote, took the initiative to get talks started and offered up a counter budget proposal. It has been ignored.
• ...
• So what should happen now?
• ...
• Go ahead now - not later -- and do the focused work on healthcare that Berger promised. There are many ways to modify the Medicaid expansion plan. The governor has asked for suggestions. Take him at his word.
• ...
• The legislature needs to do its job. Vote on sustaining the governor's budget veto. If it is overridden, North Carolina has a budget. Job's done.
• If it is sustained, get serious. Admit the governor. who was elected by ALL the citizens, has an important role in the budget process. And recognize the overwhelming support for Medicaid expansion across this state."

    Governor Cooper's compromise offer can be found HERE. It would close the health care coverage gap, raise teacher pay, cut taxes for people and guarantee school construction while balancing the budget and saving money in the Rainy Day Fund.

• Contact: Ford Porter
•     govpress@nc.gov