Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina General Assembly completed the first step of a multi step budget process when the NC Senate prepared the first draft of a budget for the 2021 - 2022 biennium. In the next step, the House of Representatives will make changes and send the document back to the Senate. Finally, the two chambers will form a Conference Committee composed of members from each chamber where the “final budget” is formulated. Leadership from each chamber will be in discussions with the Governor’s office during the process.

Capital projects are typically a focus of the early rounds of budgets, with final proposals for salary increases and possible COLAs for retirees left to the final Conference Committee Reports.

Perry made several budget requests and was glad to see a number of them included in the first step of the process. Three notable, large requests included over $138 million to help with flood mitigation, $10.3 million for the Town of La Grange to provide water related infrastructure and $41 million for construction / economic development projects at the Global Transpark.

“Every lawmaker in the East has supported our efforts to push for a meaningful amount of funding to help with flood mitigation. I believe our colleagues understand we are tired of people talking about flooding. We want to see action and progress. We believe, if the money is used as intended, we can make good progress with over $138 million we have in the budget so far.” - Senator Perry

The Town of La Grange would receive a grant to help with their water infrastructure needs in the first draft of the budget. Perry indicated this is becoming a common need in rural areas. He and NC House Majority Leader John Bell secured funds for Mount Olive last session and they are currently facing needs in several areas.

“Senator Perry put over $10 million of funding for water related infrastructure into the state budget for our community. I know he will fight to keep it there as the budget process continues. He is a friend to the people of La Grange, and I am thankful for his advocacy on behalf of all of our citizens.” - Mayor Bobby Wooten

Rep. Chris Humphrey and I know our friends in La Grange are facing a tough situation. John Craft, the Town Manager, has reached to us repeatedly on behalf of the Mayor and the Council and we understand the need. - Senator Perry

The Global Transpark has found success focusing on aviation, and military support organizations over the last couple of years. Perry feels it is important to build on that success.

“The county leaders of Wayne, Lenoir and Greene counties are working together to pursue economic development on a regional basis. They have had very good success at the Global Transpark and we want to help them continue their streak. I have great partners in the House with Majority Leader John Bell and Rep. Chris Humphrey. Senator Don Davis and I are good friends and we work well together. We are all working together to add more funding from our lists in the House Budget for topics that we feel are critical for eastern North Carolina.