Bipartisan backing: House budget version sails through with broad support

A state House budget bill received bipartisan support this week as it advanced through the halls of the lower chamber and on to the Senate.

The plan contains pay raises for both teacher and rank-and-file state employees as well another break for taxpayers.

The ease with which the budget passed shows the determination of the Republican leadership over the past several years to cut taxes, giving the state a surplus with which to work.

Legislators can be proud of their efforts, although some critics who voted against the measure said it was intended to give the House more leverage with the Senate's version, which has yet to be offered.

Still, the proposed budget is a responsible one and legislators should take great satisfaction with the measure, which they hope will enable them to wrap up the short session on time.

We hope they are successful. Historically, the longer lawmakers stay in Raleigh, the more mischief they get into.

Published in Editorials on May 20, 2016 11:11 AM