Governor Moore and the presiding officers of the General Assembly appear hesitant to pursue any significant changes to a lofty education reform plan that’s driving projections of ballooning budget deficits in the coming years. The state is projected to have a $760 million shortfall in the fiscal year that begins in July, a “very manageable” amount to make up in a $63 billion budget, said Senate President Bill Ferguson. House Speaker Adrienne Jones said that while she understands some of the local officials’ concerns and is willing to discuss ways to make the program more flexible, she echoed Moore’s commitment to the plan’s pillars. “We don’t expect any substantial changes.”
Budget decisions: The governor has until Wednesday of next week to release his proposed budget, which will guide the legislature in its work over the next 89 days.
