When Pat McCrory was governor, the GOP super majority changed budget protocol and made the state budget a biennial process. In an odd-numbered year, a budget is set forth to encompass the next two fiscal years. Amendments to the budget can be made in even-numbered years.

Furthermore, if a budget is not passed, then the state automatically reverts to the previous budget’s recurring spending levels which is exactly what has happened this year.

The only “budgetary” item that has been addressed has been a “mini-budget” that does not give any new raises to teachers and keeps the salary schedule from last school year in place. It does finance any step increases for current teachers and the pension fund.

So, we are financing this year with last year’s budget numbers. When the prices of utilities seems to be rising as well as other costs of living, then it usually means that running schools costs more as well. Remember that the same legislative body that could not pass a new budget this summer allowed for Duke Energy to raise its prices.