CLARY CALLS FOR BALANCED BUDGET

RALEIGH, N.C. - Today, Representative Debbie Clary (R-Cleveland County) and her Republican colleagues in the North Carolina House of Representatives spotlighted Governor Jim Hunt's budget recommendations, calling it incomplete and unconstitutional.

"There will be enough new revenue this year to increase state spending by over a billion dollars. Even with that, Jim Hunt can not send us a balanced budget," added Representative Debbie Clary.

"The Governor should have submitted a budget based on the real needs of our state. He has put his high dollar initiatives first and neglected many important issues." stated Representative Debbie Clary.

Cuts in Medicaid to elderly disabled and cuts in prison funding are two items that Representative Debbie Clary is very alarmed about.

"We cannot create a revolving door prison system and risk dangerous criminals returning to our neighborhoods," said Representative Debbie Clary. "The elderly and disabled who are struggling to make ends meet may find it even harder to access health care, as well."

Representative Debbie Clary and her Republican colleagues have also expressed concerns about the dire need for highway maintenance. Statewide repair and renovation needs are also piling up. Representative Debbie Clary is strongly opposed to using any of the State's Rainy Day Fund for Hunt's budget expansion.

"The economy is strong and revenues continue to grow," Representative Debbie Clary said. "The Rainy Day Fund was put in place for emergencies and severe economic downturns, we should not be using it to fund government expansion."