Sen. Robert Pittenger (R-Mecklenburg) introduces zero-based budgeting legislation

This is great... if it passes. Put the State agencies on a short spending leash. Get's the Government working more like a small business (at least).


"Raleigh - Sen. Robert Pittenger (R-Mecklenburg) introduced zero-based budgeting legislation, Wednesday, to bring greater accountability to government agencies and reduce wasteful spending.

Senate Bill 325 would be phase in a zero-based budget for North Carolina in five years, beginning in 2007 and would not apply to direct services in education such as class size, school curriculum, and counseling services.

Using North Carolina's present budgeting practice, all departments of state government begin the coming year's authorization process with a amount of money based on the amount allocated in previous years. 'Zero-Based Budgeting' requires such agencies to account for all expenditures and requests for new spending starting from zero every time the General Assembly creates a new budget.

The legislation introduced by Pittenger would require quantifying the needs of government agencies on a regular basis. Many believe this would help identify programs that are not working and increase efficiencies.

North Carolina faces a $1.3 Billion budget deficit, and Gov. Easley proposed late last month another increase in taxes, a fourth consecutive year of tax increases.

The General Assembly's Fiscal Research Department stated in a recent Appropriations meeting these deficits would continue unless 'structural budget problems' are addressed.

'North Carolina is in a fiscal crisis,' said Pittenger. 'Other states such as Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Illinois and Pennsylvania have implemented similar cost-saving reforms to streamline government operations.

'Texas saved over $13 Billion in the past decade, while Massachusetts has moved from a $3 Billion deficit to a $700 Million surplus, and it's time for North Carolina to take similar actions.'

"We can't continue straightening pictures when the house is burning down. a full restructuring of State government is has not been done in over thirty years and is badly needed."

NC Rumors-News:

The Truth About Easley: Decker, Who cost Republicans Control of House, Gets State Job for $48K/Year

Gimme a break! This turncoat costs one party and is now rewarded with salary and benefits at tax payer expense! This at a time when the state is facing a budget crisis.

The Truth About Easley: Decker, Who cost Republicans Control of House, Gets State Job for $48K/Year

Death of Max M. Fisher - RJC Founding Chairman

March 03, 2005

With deep sadness, the Republican Jewish Coalition notes the passing of its founding chairman and visionary leader, Max M. Fisher. Max Fisher, known as "the dean of Jewish Republicans," was 96.
Mr. Fisher was an advisor and friend to every Republican president since Eisenhower. As the Quiet Diplomat (the title of the 1992 biography of Mr. Fisher by Peter Golden), he played a unique role in U.S.-Israel relations for many years.

A leader and mentor in the Republican Party for more than five decades, Mr. Fisher founded the National Jewish Coalition in 1985 to give Jewish Republicans a permanent, public presence in both the Jewish community and the Republican Party.

Today, as a result of Max Fisher's hard work and vision, the Republican Jewish Coalition (renamed in 2000) has 17,000 members nationwide, 35 local chapters in major Jewish community population centers, and four regional offices in addition to the national headquarters in Washington, DC. As the national grassroots organization of Jewish Republicans, the RJC has become the well-respected and effective voice for Jewish Republicans to Republican decision makers in all levels of government and to the greater Jewish community.

RJC National Chairman Sam Fox said, "Max inspired many, many people to get involved in the political process and to make a difference for our community and our country. His impact goes far beyond his own record of activism and involvement He was indeed a giant."

Past RJC Chairman Richard Fox said, "We are deeply saddened to lose such a good friend, but it is also a time to look back and celebrate Max's tremendous accomplishments. He was raised by hard- working immigrant parents. He carried the values they taught him into everything he did and became one of the most generous and influential American Jewish leaders in history."

Past RJC Chairman George Klein said, "It has been a special privilege to call Max Fisher a friend. He was a leader and a man of principle. He was not one of those who wanted fame or prestige. Max focused on doing what was right, what was needed, what would help. We will miss him very much."

Past RJC Chairman Cheryl Halpern said, "I learned so much from Max about politics, about leadership, and about people. He was a mentor and role model to me and to many others across the country. His passing is a great loss for all of us."

RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said, "Max Fisher instilled in me a passion for working within the Jewish community and a passion for politics. He taught me that politics was about serving the community, and that it demands integrity, character, and principle. That is the example Max set and the legacy he left us."

Mr. Fisher's wise counsel, generous support, and warm friendship have been deeply appreciated by the leaders and staff of the RJC. With his passing we have a lost a great friend, a leader in the truest sense. He will be sorely missed.

All Things Dunkin' Donuts

Alright! A blogger covering my favorite brand of coffee.
Great news, to bad the only way for me to order it is online.
All Things Dunkin' Donuts

RIP Jeff Raskin: Father of the Mac

I got this news from a fellow a blogger... This obit (if you didn't know) is for one of the not so famous that worked on the MAC.
MAC/PC party lines aside... we lost a smart one early. Bummer....

RIP Jeff Raskin: Father of the Mac The Register

Sunday's results

Here's the brisket from Sunday's cook. The flat was sliceable the point pulled fairly easily.
Click here

Cigarette, cable TV taxes would increase

I can see it now a bill for two to the damn movies will cost $50!Thanks Easley! :-)

Tax policy changes in Gov. Mike Easley’s proposed fiscal 2005-06 budget:

• increase cigarette tax by 35 cents to 40 cents per pack on Sept. 1.


• keep half-cent sales tax that is set to expire July 1.


• first step in phase out of higher income-tax bracket, from 8.25 percent to 8 percent.


• raise sales tax on telecommunications services from 6 percent to 7 percent.


• raise sales or franchise tax on satellite and cable television from 5 percent to 7 percent.


• raise sales tax on liquor from 6 percent to 7 percent.


• apply 7 percent sales tax to candy.


• make newspaper sales tax uniform.


• raise movie, live performance sales tax to 7 percent.


• exempt farm machinery and fuel from sales tax.

Source: Associated Press






Cigarette, cable TV taxes would increase