Governor Bev Perdue’s veto of the budget put forward by the Republican-led General Assembly surprised almost nobody, least of all the officials who represent Rowan and Cabarrus.
“It’s exactly what I expected,” N.C. Rep. Harry Warren (R-77) said.
Perdue has criticized the budget for the effect she says it will have on education, as well as public safety and other areas.
But Warren said that the current financial crisis leaves few alternatives.
“Everyone says we need to cut back, but we don’t know where,” Warren said. “Somebody’s going to be hurt, offended or disappointed.”
He said he will vote to override the governor’s veto, a vote that could take place as early as Wednesday.
Rep. Fred Steen (R-76), also said he wil vote to override the veto, as did House Republicans Linda Johnson and Jeff Barnhardt of Cabarrus County.
“This may be the first legislative override for the budget in our state’s history,” Steen said “The vote may be close but I think we will prevail,” he said.
Five Democrats who supported the budget are expected to join Republicans, giving them the margin they need to override the governor’s veto.
Read more of local legislators’ response to Perdue’s veto in Wednesday’s Salisbury Post and on www.salisburypost.com.