Senate budget targets jobs of numerous agency managers

Raleigh, N.C. — The proposed $22.9 billion state budget moving through the Senate spells out numerous managerial jobs at state agencies that would be eliminated if the spending plan is approved.

When they rolled out their budget proposal Tuesday, Senate leaders touted teacher raises and other increases to education spending, tax cuts and deposits to the state reserve fund, but they didn't provide details on how they would accomplish those priorities and still balance the budget.

The 358-page budget bill that was filed shortly before midnight Wednesday filled in those details.

While education spending goes up by $600 million in the Senate budget, the state Department of Public Instruction would see its operating budget slashed by 25 percent. Several positions at the State Board of Education, which is engaged in a tug-of-war with Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Mark Johnson for control over DPI, would be cut, while Johnson would receive $433,000 to hire up to five people who would report to him – the hires wouldn't need state board approval.

Read more: http://www.wral.com/senate-budget-targets-jobs-of-numerous-agency-managers/16693778/