GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2009

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HOUSE RESOLUTION DRHR80469-LG-183  (06/17)

Sponsors:	Representative Rhyne.
Referred to:

A HOUSE RESOLUTION INVITING GOVERNOR BEVERLY E. PeRDUE TO REVISE AND UPDATE HER BUDGET PROPOSAL AND TO COMMENT ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE BUDGET PLANS SUCH THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL Be informed as to WHICH PROVISIONS SHE SUPPORTS AND WHICH PROVISIONS SHE opposes.

Whereas, the State is experiencing a recession that has seen unemployment skyrocket, resulting in real hardships for our citizens; and

Whereas, the unemployment and poor business conditions have resulted in significant decreases in State revenues; and

Whereas, the North Carolina Constitution requires a balanced budget; and

Whereas, significant philosophical differences exist in both the general public and the General Assembly as to how to balance the budget; vocal constituents argue for the State to live within its means on the one hand or to raise taxes on the other hand; and

Whereas, the Governor presented her budget in March 2009. Since that time revenue projections have changed significantly; and

Whereas, the Senate passed its budget bill on April 9, 2009. The Senate plan purports to reduce tax rates including the individual income tax, the corporate income tax, and the sales tax rates by broadening the tax bases; and

Whereas, the House passed its budget bill on June 13, 2009. The appropriations contained in the House bill exceeded revenue projections by $840,000,000. The House balanced its budget with a combination of regressive taxes and taxes that make North Carolina a more expensive place in which to live and work; and

Whereas, the approaches to the budget in the House and Senate cannot be easily reconciled as they are fundamentally different and based upon different principles and assumptions; and

Whereas, the fiscal year begins July 1, 2009, in less than two weeks; and

Whereas, the Governor is the chief executive of the State such that it would be fitting and proper for her to show leadership and engagement in the development and passage of the State budget; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives invites Governor Beverly E. Perdue to revise and update her budget proposal by communicating to the General Assembly the portions of the House budget that she supports and the portions of the House budget that she opposes; further, that she likewise communicate to the General Assembly the portions of the Senate budget that she supports and the portions of the Senate budget that she does not support.

SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to Governor Beverly E. Perdue.

SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.