Governor Perdue’s opposition to middle class tax increases have thrown budget negotiations back to square one. Curiously, during yesterday’s announcement Perdue also said she objects to any reduction in per pupil spending for the public schools. For the record, North Carolina schools will be receiving about $530 million in stimulus funds and more than likely about $400 million or more in revenue generated by the North Carolina Education Lottery. Even though this money is specifically designated for K-12 education, the state does not include it when calculating per pupil support. True, some of the stimulus money is to replace cuts to state programs, but it should still be counted. Adding $930 million to the equation certainly produces a more accurate picture of public support. It also mutes the government’s case on more funding for the public schools – which may explain why the correction is not likely to be made.
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