Senator Perry chosen as budget negotiator

Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina General Assembly has completed another phase of the multi-step budget process for the 2021 - 2022 biennium.   The NC Senate and NC House have both offered budget options for the next biennium.  On Tuesday, August 17th, the NC Senate conducted a procedural vote to “not concur” with the House budget proposal.  Next, the two chambers will name conference committee members to conduct negotiations for a final budget commonly known as a Conference Committee Report.

Senator Perry was selected by Senate President Pro Tempore, Phil Berger. to serve on the budget conference committee. 

“I am thankful to have a seat at the table.  I have never seen a perfect budget, but this one addresses many priorities for our state, and certainly the people in the East.  Our group of rural lawmakers have done a great job of carrying the football to this point, but we can’t lose focus. Now it is time to grit our teeth and push through the fourth quarter.  We have to finish the job.” - Senator Perry.

Senator Jim Perry was unanimously elected by his peers to serve as Senate Majority Whip in his first full term.  He serves as Chairman of Healthcare, Chairman of Appropriations on Health and Human Services, and Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Storm Related River Debris and Damage.

Perry has been an unapologetic advocate for rural areas.  He has also been a prolific campaign fundraiser, reporting over $1,500,000 of receipts in the last biennium. 

“The majority party sets policy and writes the budget. If I want to help the rural areas, I need to work hard to raise money to ensure we can be competitive, and win elections.  I have no interest in being in the Senate forever, but I do want to have an impact while I am here.”