N.C. Budget: Bits and Pieces
Sometimes things in the state budget just catch my attention. They don't have to be earth shattering or all that expensive, just odd bits included in the major statement of fiscal policy statement for the year. To wit:
- * For those who remember Gov. Mike Easley's proposal to have a sales tax holiday for Energy Star rated appliances, it's in the final budget. It will be in effect from "12:01 A.M. on the first Friday of November and 11:59 P.M. the following Sunday." Qualified items include Clothes washers, Freezers and refrigerators, Central air conditioners and room air conditioners, Air-source heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps, Ceiling fans, Dehumidifiers and Programmable thermostats. The exemption doesn't apply to products purchased by a business or rentals.
- * The Lorax got his: There is a $1 million per year earmark over the next five years in the DOT budget for planting seedlings along the roads. "The Department shall consult with and use the expertise of the United States Forest Service and the Division of Forest Resources of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the development and implementation of the plan. The plan shall include the planting of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that (i) are native to the various regions and areas of the State in which they are being planted, (ii) will provide clean air and otherwise benefit the State's environment, (iii) are appropriately placed for the safety of those traveling on the roads and highways, and (iv) reduce the costs of mowing and maintaining the rights-of-way along the State's roads and highways."
- * The problems associated with illegal immigration have been at the center of several political races this year, including the U.S. Senate race between Republican Elizabeth Dole and Democrat Kay Hagan. And there is, in the budget, at least two mentions of immigration.
One is in the section expanding Health Choice/Kids Care, the state/federal health insurance program for children. One of the enrolment requirements is that a child must "Be a resident of this State, meet applicable federal citizenship and immigration requirements, and be eligible under federal law."
The second immigration mention is in a section that concerns money the state is spending to help sheriffs participating in the 287(g) program, the federal partnership that allows local law enforcement to identify and help deport illegal immigrants. The honorables have ordered a report on how those funds are used "Recommendations on ways that federal, State, and local resources can be used to further improve the effectiveness of the Illegal Immigration Project and other immigration enforcement initiatives." - * Back when the Senate wrote its budget, Pro Tempore Marc Basnight inserted a section that would require the state to use biodegradable water bottles. That appears to have been toned down to a study that requires "The University of North Carolina, in collaboration with the Division of Waste Management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall study the current state, usage, and recycling of plastics (including, but not limited to, beverage bottles and plastic bags) in North Carolina." Note that plastic bags were a concern for Rep. Pricey Harrison.