I frequently wish I were an NC native (I think it gives me more clout when I deal with folks from “out in the county” and their bird issues) but I am not. This means that I did not learn about the ins and outs of how NC State government works, well, until very recently. There are some weird things in this government, I have to tell you. It works in mysterious ways, indeed. I write this post not as a criticism (I have to be nice, since they are my employer, and for the most part treat me pretty well) and frankly, I do not envy the legislature their jobs in these tough economic times.
First of all, this was in the news yesterday:
The state faces a cash-flow crunch every spring until corporate income tax payments are made on April 15, officials said. The emergency fund would help cover expenses until then, they said.
Really? In the 200 + years of State Government they haven’t figured out how to work around this?
Secondly, we two houses in our assembly, just like the Federal government. We also operate on a two year cycle. Did you know that our two houses take turns making our budget (every two years)? One year the senators, one year the representatives. Maybe most states do that. I guess its more efficient?
The House of Representatives is presided over by a Speaker, who is elected from the ranks. Its been the same guy for a long time. The speaker has these meetings with all the committee chairs where they hash everything out, and so by the time it goes to vote in the House, there is no dissent in the ranks. Now that is control!
Thirdly, in the ranks of state employees, we have temporary employees. Lots and lots. They are paid hourly and receive no benefits. A few years ago, some temps in a different decision sued the state, saying, you can’t keep us as temps forever and the courts agreed. Well, the state found a loophole. Our temps, even part time, have to take a month off, without pay, every year. I have a guy who works for me 12 hours a week. Even he has to take a month without pay! Pretty tricky, I tell you.
Finally, a message to the governor and powers that be: as you eye personel cuts, may I reccomend instead either doing what California did (going to a 4 day workweek) or having all state employees take an unpaid furlough? It works with the temps….
