Gov. Perdue Blocks Proposal to Hike Income Tax on Working Families

On Thursday, Gov. Perdue announced her opposition to a proposed budget deal between the House and Senate. 

"I will not support a budget that is balanced on the backs of working families and that does not protect our public schools," said Gov. Perdue.

The legislative budget proposal included an income tax surcharge on all taxpayers and did not do what is necessary to protect public education.  Gov. Perdue called on the House and Senate to work together quickly to pass a budget that protects public education and core services without being balanced on the backs of working families.

Governor Signs Executive Order to Restrict Spending, Ensure Balanced Budget

Gov. Bev Perdue today signed Executive Order 20 , restricting state spending to ensure a balanced budget while legislators work to finalize a budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

"Until a budget is signed, this order will ensure that North Carolina maintains a balanced budget and that state agencies continue to follow the strict spending guidelines in place during the previous fiscal year," Gov. Perdue said.

The executive order directs the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) to prioritize spending on mandatory obligations and to restrict state agency spending on travel and purchase orders for goods and services. It also restricts agency spending to fill vacant positions.

To protect the state's core responsibilities in education and public safety, the order allows OSBM to make exceptions for direct expenses for classroom instruction and emergency situations related to law enforcement, health care and public safety.

The order rescinds the governor's previous executive order to restrict spending for the 2008-09 fiscal year.

Continental Teves to Add 338 Jobs in Fletcher

Gov. Bev Perdue on Monday announced brake systems and components manufacturer Continental Teves will expand its operations in Henderson County.  The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of global automotive supplier Continental, plans to invest $30.1 million and create 338 jobs in Fletcher during the next five years.

"North Carolina ranks 10th nationally in automotive-related jobs thanks to the commitment of such international leaders as Continental and its subsidiary in our state," Gov. Perdue said. "Established companies continue to grow here because they know the value of our top business climate and skilled workforce."

Continental has its North American headquarters in Michigan and operates two facilities in North Carolina. The Fletcher manufacturing plant currently employs 288 workers, while a plant in Morganton has 367 employees. The overall average wage for the 338 new jobs in Fletcher is expected to be $36,179, not counting benefits, which is higher than the Henderson County average of $31,252.

North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate.  Through Gov. Perdue's JobsNOW initiative, the state will work aggressively to create jobs, train and retrain our workforce and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.

For more information about Continental Teves or Continental, visit www.conti-online.com .  For information about employment opportunities at the Fletcher manufacturing plant, call the Henderson County office of the N.C. Employment Security Commission at (828) 693-1703.

Gov. Perdue Announces Second Round of Drinking Water and Wastewater Recovery Projects

Gov. Bev Perdue on Monday announced a total of $45.2 million in drinking water, stormwater and wastewater projects in a second round of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) awards.  In total, 40 communities in 31 counties received second-round funding.  More than half of the second-round projects were identified as "green" projects.

"These JobsNOW Recovery projects will create jobs, boost the economy, improve the state's infrastructure and protect North Carolina's drinking water and other water systems in the future," said Perdue.

Nearly $23.9 million in recovery funds will be distributed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to 28 communities for public water supply projects.  New Hanover County, Jacksonville and Cary were each awarded $3 million, the maximum amount allowed by the ARRA program.  The full list of second-round drinking water award recipients is now available at: www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/pws/recovery.htm .  In April, $40.3 million in drinking water funds were awarded to 35 local systems in the initial round of projects.

In addition, awards totaling $21.3 million will go to 12 communities for wastewater and stormwater projects.  Southport, Burgaw, Brunswick County and Buncombe County received the $3 million maximum allowed under ARRA.  The full list of second-round stormwater and wastewater award recipients is available at: www.nccgl.net/Stimulus.html .  In April, $45.8 million were awarded to 36 communities for stormwater and wastewater projects.

Governor's schedule for the coming week

Saturday, July 25
- Lee Institute for Women Political Leaders Conference, Washington, D.C.

Monday, July 27
- Bill Signings
- Speak at Halifax County School Meeting, Roanoke Rapids
- NC Sheriff's Association Reception

Tuesday, July 28
- Senior Staff Meeting
- Cabinet Meeting
- Office Time

Wednesday, July 29
- Senior Staff Meeting
- Office Time

Thursday, July 30
- Senior Staff Meeting
- Legislative Meetings
- Office Time

Friday, July 31
- Democratic Governors Association, Saratoga, NY