The North Carolina General Assembly voted late Monday night to override Governor Perdue’s veto of the $20.2 billion 2012-2013 state budget as well as a measure that legalizes fracking or natural gas exploration. Earlier Monday, state lawmakers voted to override the Governor’s veto of a bill that revamps the Racial Justice Act.
Budget Override
The state House voted 74-45 to override the budget veto. The Senate followed with a 31-10 vote to override. Both chambers had the required three-fifths majority to override the veto. The six Democrats that voted for the budget override in the House were Representatives Jackson (Wake), Brandon (Guilford), Brisson (Bladen), Crawford (Granville), Hill (Brunswick), and McLawhorn (Pitt). Representative Hamilton (New Hanover) did not vote.
The legislature writes a two-year budget when it convenes in odd-numbered years. In even-numbered years, lawmakers return to update the spending plan for the second year. In the past week, Governor Perdue proposed shifting $100 million set aside in reserves to go to schools, parole offices, and eugenics victims. The Republican majority had the option to negotiate with her, leave the 2012-2013 budget passed last year in place, or override her veto.
The legislature chose to override the veto and pass a budget that includes the following elements:
- 1.2 percent raise for teachers and state employees
- 1 percent cost-of-living increases for state retirees
- Reduces by $143.3 million the amount local school districts need to return to the state. Overall, schools will have $190 million less to spend this year
- Education reforms that include limiting promotion for third-graders who do not pass end-of-grade tests
- Caps the gas tax
- Adds $215.5 million for growth in the Medicaid program
The legislature returns to work today to address a few more bills with the intent to adjourn for the year.
Please see below for documents related to the bills and votes yesterday.
Budget Bill Override
Clean Energy and Economic Security Act (Fracking)
Amend Death Penalty Procedures (Racial Justice Act)