Politicians are fond of comparing a state spending plan to a family budget. But the Republican budget passed earlier this month shows a disdain for working families.
First, it eliminates more than 9,000 positions in our public schools – the biggest layoffs of teachers, principals and administrators in North Carolina history. Wake County, Durham County, Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools will be required to cut a total of $57.1 million. At that rate, we would be below South Carolina and Mississippi in per-pupil spending.
Second, it provides fewer services for our seniors. These are people who have contributed all their lives to their families, churches and communities. And now the Republican budget punishes them by cutting services to help them live independently.
Finally, the Republican budget makes our communities less safe. Our highways will be less safe, and our capability to respond to emergencies will be diminished. The Republican budget reduces our land and water conservation programs by 74 percent, including an 89 percent cut to clean-water programs.
Defunding public education, eliminating services for seniors and failing to protect our communities are not North Carolina values. Worst of all, they are values that insult, not build and strengthen, our families.
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Forrisi Jr.
Siler City