NC GOP Leaders Predict Fiscal Pain for 2011 Budget

Republicans’ prescription for overcoming deficit: Lots of cuts, no tax hikes

RALEIGH (By David N. Bass, Carolina Journal Online) — After a century of Democratic Party rule, Tar Heel State voters were in the mood for a change Nov. 2, electing the first Republican majority in the General Assembly since Reconstruction. It’s a historic opportunity for the GOP, but one tinged with apprehension due to an estimated $3.2 billion state budget shortfall next year.

The legislature’s long-time Democratic leadership bypassed the fiscal pain during this year’s short session by passing a $20.6 billion spending plan that relied partly on an extension of federal stimulus funds and more than $1 billion in expiring tax cuts. In 2011, the new GOP majority won’t have that luxury.

Legislative leaders expect cuts to every part of state government — without raising taxes. Even reductions to core services, such as transportation and public safety, will be in play. To accomplish its goals, the GOP will have a 31-19 majority in the Senate and a 68-52 majority in the House.

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