http://66.225.205.104/LM20081211.mp3
Easley is asking all state agencies to come up with plans to trim 3, 5, and 7-percent from their budgets for next year. State Budget Director Charles Perusse expects state revenue to grow next year, but not by much. "We may be looking at revenue growth in the 1.8 to 2.5 percent range, but historically we've grown about 6 percent," estimates Perusse. He says the spending plans will give Governor-elect Bev Perdue a head start on putting together a balanced budget. State revenue has been lower than expected this year. Perusse says by the end of the fiscal year the state could be short $1.2 billion in revenue. In October, Easley ordered agencies to cut spending by 5-percent to narrow the shortfall.