As Republicans prepare to take control of the state legislature, Gov. Beverly Perdue is recommending a reorganization of state government, along with several other major policy changes. John Locke Foundation Fiscal Policy Analyst Joe Coletti analyzes the governor’s plans and recommends some of his own in order to close the state budget gap and address structural funding and taxing problems. Then we turn to funding of the UNC System. State lawmakers fund enrollment growth in the University of North Carolina system based on a complicated formula. A recent review from the General Assembly’s Program Evaluation Division suggests that formula is deeply flawed. You’ll hear details from the review’s chief author, Michelle Beck, along with a response from UNC system chief of staff Jeff Davies. Next up is a look at the priorities of one member of the new governing majority in the legislature. When the state Senate returns to work this month, senators are expected to elect Republican Phil Berger of Rockingham County as the first new president pro tem since 1992. Berger recently discussed his priorities in a presentation to the N.C. Free Enterprise Foundation. You’ll hear details. That’s followed by a look at the future of a key grassroots movement. The Tea Party movement played a critical role in elections across the United States last year. Pundits and prognosticators wonder what’s next for the movement. Bruce Gardner of Tea Party Western N.C. explains that his group is not ready to rest after the major electoral success of 2010. And finally, we’ll analyze the issues that will and won’t be priorities for a Republican-led General Assembly. John Locke Foundation Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray discusses what the GOP is likely to bring to the floor for debate and a vote. Some of the issues that will get a hearing, Gray says, have been tabled for years while Democrats controlled the chambers.
Gov. Perdue Calls For Reorganization of State Gov’t
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