Budget reflects Perry's push for Flood Mitigation and Global TransPark investments
The North Carolina General Assembly passed a state budget that Governor Roy Cooper refused to sign. As in years past, the budget sparked both approval and criticism across political aisles. Senator Jim Perry (R-Lenoir), a key figure in the budget discussions, detailed the budget's multiple facets in a comprehensive interview.
Despite Governor Roy Cooper's refusal to sign, citing concerns over constitutional violations among other issues, the budget has moved forward. Sen. Perry acknowledged that while the budget isn't perfect, it carries significant advantages.
“None of us love everything in there, but overall that's a heck of a budget for the state, certainly for my district and the people that I represent in Eastern North Carolina,” said Perry.
The budget proposes $1.2 billion in tax cuts for families and businesses in the state over the next two years. Employees, including teachers, are set to receive a 7% pay raise across the biennium. Additionally, retirees will get a one-time, non-recurring 4% payment from the general fund.
Perry defends the one-time payment as a fiscally responsible alternative to a recurring cost-of-living adjustment, which he claims would be "prohibitively expensive and unsustainable."
Over $6 million has been allocated for the Adkin Branch Mitigation project in Kinston. Perry emphasized the importance of flood mitigation efforts in eastern North Carolina. Moreover, $30 million has been committed to a flight training and corporate office facility at the Global TransPark, leveraging an additional $400 million of construction dollars for the project.
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Sen. Jim Perry on Medical Marijuana
"The military is the second-largest economic driver in the state," Perry said, "and this investment also serves as a protective measure against future Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) considerations."
The economic boost is expected to spill over into local businesses, particularly restaurants and hotels, with impacts materializing over the next three years. The subject of casinos was a contentious issue that delayed the budget process. Perry stated that there's majority support for casinos within his district, citing economic development benefits.
The topic of Medicaid expansion elicited diverging views. Perry argues that the expansion is fiscally responsible and beneficial for reducing costs like property taxes in Lenoir County. He revealed that a large majority (82%) of his constituents support medical marijuana, primarily as a safer alternative for pain management amid the ongoing opioid crisis.
He also touched upon the contentious issue of redistricting, highlighting the long history of court involvement in North Carolina's redistricting process. He disclosed that the General Assembly is scheduled to start redrawing maps the week of October 9th.
This budget's passage demonstrates the complex interplay of economic considerations, public opinion, and political negotiation as North Carolina grapples with the challenges and opportunities of governance.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE:
Listen to the full interview in a podcast format
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