With the clock ticking towards the end of the fiscal year, the legislature must pass a budget (which is unlikely) or a continuing resolution to keep state government going on July 1.  The House considers Senate Bill 311, “Continue Budget Authority,” tonight. Appropriations Chair Mickey Michaux, D-Durham, asks that the bill be displaced for awhile. The House handles the other bills on the calendar while Michaux and others confer with Gerry Cohen and other NCGA staff.

The bill as proposed would continue state spending at 85 percent of the current rate, postpones step salary increases and other adjustments until a real budget can be passsed and increases community college tution by about $10, all in effect until July 15, giving lawmakers about two weeks to iron out the differences in the two budget proposals before the conference committee.

When the bill is re-introduced, Michaux has an amendment that changes dates for the tuition increases and 30-day notice of termination for employees technical changes. Michaux explains the community college tuition increases on accredited courses were included, so the revenue would be available to them as the new session of classes begins. Rep. Dale Folwell, R-Forsyth, expresses concern for out-of-state students being charged in-state rates. Currently there is no penalty for lying on the application. The amendment passes 109-7.

Rep. Beverly Earle, D-Mecklenburg, has an amendment that would give flexibilty to the secretary of DHHS for spending with some reporting requirements, with a six-month window on the authority.  Rep. Paul Stam says this will save considerable money and should be enacted now. The amendment passes 116 – 0.

Michaux explains that the continuing resolution is necessary to keep the state operating into the new fiscal year. The Continuing Resolution passes 95-21 on second reading and 93-23 on third reading.

It now goes over to the Senate for a final vote tomorrow. I’m expecting approval, which would keep  state government up and running in North Carolina, at least until July 15 at 11:59 p.m. when the continuing resolution expires.