In front of a gathering of NC mayors in Wilmington yesterday, Gov. Perdue warned those in attendance about the budget difficulties facing the state this year:
It will be another bleak budget for the state this year, Gov. Bev Perdue warned a group of mayors meeting in Wilmington on Wednesday.
Laying off more state employees, eliminating half a billion dollars of programs and hiring outside contractors to perform some existing government duties are all possibilities as the state struggles to recover from the economic meltdown.
“It’s my goal with the (legislative) session to focus on restructuring government,” Perdue said to the N.C. Metropolitan Mayors Coalition, a group of mayors representing 26 of the state’s larger cities.
She said that includes everything from eliminating some of the state’s 600 boards and commissions (600!?! – BB) to getting outside experts to provide some of the functions that make the government run, such as technology services.
Layoffs of state workers also looks likely, said Andy Willis, Perdue’s senior adviser for governmental affairs.
“Two thousand to 3,000 employees will probably lose their jobs,” he told the mayors.
That last line no doubt triggered an emergency alarm at SEANC headquarters. This summer’s budget negotiations is shaping up to be another wild ride.
Chris Hayes says
Brian,
Please use their new name: SEIU Local 2008 when referring to the State Employees union.