Dear Supporter, I'm to report to you that yesterday, Senator Phil Berger and the North Carolina State

Senate leadership introduced a truly fiscally conservative budget. While both the State House and State Senate versions of the budget keep the promise not to raise taxes, AFP favors the Senate version for several important reasons. Let me explain why: The Senate budget would spend $20.1 billion, which is 1.7 percent less than the House budget and 4.4 percent less than the Governors proposal. In addition, the Senate budget is more responsible by greatly reducing the amount of one time dollars used for recurring purposes. We are concerned that using one time money for ongoing recurring expenses is a more of the same approach that could put the next administration in a bind early next year. We applaud the State Senate for funding the states retirement obligations and putting money into the rainy day fund. We are extremely pleased at the State Senates flexible approach to funding teacher raises; local school boards will now decide whether to offer raises or to retain and add education positions. We applaud the leadership in both the State House and State Senate for their commitment to reducing taxes through capping the gas tax at a lower rate than it stands today, and in general rejecting the calls from Governor Perdue and Lt. Governor Dalton for higher taxes. That being said, we encourage the North Carolina State House to give serious consideration to the budget proposal from the North Carolina State Senate. Expect more information in the coming days on the budget debate and how you can lend your voice to this important fight. Yours in the fight for freedom and prosperity, Dallas Woodhouse State Director Americans for Prosperity - North Carolina
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens to support restraining state and federal government growth and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP is more than 1.9 million activists strong, with activists in all 50 states. AFP has 35 state chapters and affiliates. More than 90,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial contribution to AFP or AFP Foundation. Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org