News

Internet Authority Stays Alive

RALEIGH—The Senate on Tuesday approved legislation creating a new agency that will provide high-speed broadband Internet access for rural counties and “distressed” urban areas in North Carolina. The Senate approved the measure establishing the E-NC Authority by a 41-6 vote. The E-NC Authority will continue and expand the work of the Rural Internet Access Authority, which was established by the legislature three years ago and originally set to expire at the end of 2003.

CJ Staff
News

Reviewing the 2003 Budget Battle

RALEIGH—Gov. Mike Easley signed a $14.8 billion budget Monday that will fund state government through June 2005. Approved just before the deadline, the measure has been hailed by some as a compromise that protects public services and adequately funds the ever-increasing cost of public education. Other lawmakers contended it continues the state’s pattern of fiscal irresponsibility. A 3 percent increase in General Fund expenditures is scheduled for the fiscal year, which began Tuesday, and the rate of spending will increase to 5 percent by 2005. Higher sales and income taxes, by $427 million and $124 million respectively, are also on the horizon.

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