Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and House Republican Leader Paul Stam (R-Wake) today held a press conference to discuss proposals for reducing state spending. With budget deficit estimated at more than $3 billion, spending reductions will be required to comply with North Carolina law mandating a balanced budget.
Republicans discussed the following options:
Consolidate More at Four and Smart Start to eliminate duplication and save administrative costs
Explore suspending state class size mandates with a goal of average class size at 23 students per classroom
Reduce Medicaid spending by employing enhanced software to identify and reject improper Medicaid claims before they are paid. House Bill 190, Medicaid Improper Claims Software/Funds, would save more than $100 million annually.
Suspend state funding of the Clean Water Management Trust Fund; explore use of federal stimulus money to fund projects.
Intercept Golden LEAF funding
“We must do everything within reason to balance the state budget and ensure that every dollar spent is being spent wisely,” said Senator Berger. “The proposals outlined above are a good start.”
“These ‘common sense’ budget reforms will go a long way in helping us match our expenses with our revenues,” said Representative Stam.
