News-Record.com

Update:(7/6): Click here for my story on the budget.

The legislature gave the state budget tentative approval this afternoon. Find the bill and vote tallies and other info by clicking here.

Both the House and Senate need to vote again tomorrow, but that second vote is not likely to change the outcome.

Of local note, two Guilford County legislators flipped their votes from the first time they weighed in on the tax and spending plans.

Rep. Laura Wiley, a High Point Republican, had originally opposed the budget. Chief among here reasons was that the House plan would have cut money for marketing the semi-annual International Home Furnishings Market in High Point from $1.75 mill to $750,000. That funding was restored in the compromise conference budget.

She said Wednesday after the budget vote that “there are some problems with this budget,” but over-all the package addressed things that were of concern to her.

Sen. Stan Bingham, a Davidson County Republican who represents High Point as well, switched his vote to “no.” He had originally voted yes on the Senate budget.

The compromise plan, he said, did not sock away enough money in reserve accounts for emergencies. And the pay raises given to teachers – an average of 8 percent – was too large, especially compared with the 5.5 percent raises given rank and file state employees. Bingham also was keen on a measure that would have required performance audits of state agencies that was in the Senate budget plan but taken out of the conference report.

More will be in tomorrow’s paper. For now, other local items of note include:

- $250,000 for the Kids Voting program, which lets those under 18 cast ballots in a straw poll during the real election. At least $2,500 of that will go directly to Guilford County.
- $1.75 million for the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point. The money would be used to help attract visitors and exhibitors to the semi-annual trade show.
- $1.3 million for new 17 new district court judges. Counties getting new judges for their district courts include Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham.
- $4.2 million for new Assistant District Attorneys and support staff. Guilford County will have three of those new ADAs. The prosecutorial districts that include Randolph and Rockingham counties will get one new ADA each.
- $452,800 for a storage shed at the N.C. Zoo in Asheboro.
-$1 million to plan a new classroom building at NCA&T.
-$2.3 million to plan a new classroom building at UNCG.
-$2.8 million in repair funds are earmarked for the Palmer Memorial Institute site in Sedalia.
-public school teachers will get average pay raises amounting to 8 percent. Community College teachers would get a 6 percent raise plus a one-time 2-percent bonus. State workers will receive 5.5 percent pay raises.