The $800 million budget shortfall the state of North Carolina currently faces has been well documented. Just last week, the Senate voted 30-16 to approve a $20+ billion budget that, according to Democratic leaders, would close the revenue gap, while still protecting the most important state services from being ravaged. The House of Representatives is currently drafting their own version of the budget, and just last night members held a public forum where constituents were allowed to offer their own ideas. One thing is for certain, and that is legislators will have to prioritize their spending and only fund the most important government services.
In light of this ongoing struggle to balance the state budget, one particularly frivolous bill was introduced today on the House floor by Rep. Sandra Spaulding Hughes (D-New Hanover). If passed, HB 1937 will appropriate $500,000 to Cooking for Change, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Wilmington that helps provide economically disadvantaged adults with skills for careers in the food service industry.
Perhaps Rep. Hughes has forgotten that the state already offers high-quality, easily accessible education to its citizens in the form of the community college system. In particular, Wilmington is the home to Cape Fear Community College, which offers a program in culinary technology. This curriculum is designed to provide “specific training required to prepare students to assume positions as trained culinary professionals in a variety of food service settings.”
Simply put, it is irresponsible for legislators to use taxpayers’ money to fund their pet projects, especially those that unnecessarily duplicate already existing programs.
Why do you call it a budget shortfall?
It is a revenue shortfall?
If you or I have a revenue shortfall, we have to cut back, do with out and work harder and smarter.
Using “budget shortfall” means they take no responsiblity for overspending and will look for more revenue to make up the difference. In other words, continue to loot from the citizens.
When you hear a politican use the term budget shortfall you can bet they are going to raise taxes, not reduce spending. The lack of funds is not thier problem. It is the taxpayers duty to make up the difference.
I have worked in the workforce 50 years and when there were downturns in business you would adjust the workforce.Why can’t our goverment understand this need and quit trying to appease a few.I have never seen anyone spend themself out of debt.You should spend taxpayers money wisely that the trust we the people elect them for not pork.