House Republicans have crafted another bill to extend federal unemployment benefits to thousands who have been on unemployment now for over 77 weeks. But a new version of an old bill (HB439) also contains a resolution that would continue state government spending in case Governor Beverly Perdue vetoes the budget being prepared by the General Assembly. The Democratic Governor has already made a strong indication she could veto a budget.
“I’ve seen the House budget and I’m reviewing the Senate budget. By the time they come together, they need to send me a budget that protects our schools, community colleges and universities”, the Governor said in a press release. “If they pass a budget that undermines our schools and fails to protect the quality of our education system, then I will have no choice but to veto it.”
The bill, passed by the House Rules Committee, would authorize spending up to the end of September but it would limit spending to a budget total of $19.3 billion as opposed to the current $19.9 billion. If the Governor vetoes that she would have to veto the unemployment benefits as well.
Representative Joe Hackney (D-Orange) accused the Republicans of playing games.
Representative Paul Stam (R-Wake) said it was the Governor playing games by trying to accuse Republicans closing down government.
The Senate is scheduled to vote on its version of the budget next week.
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