North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek made the following statement about the state budget the General Assembly passed this week and Gov. Mike Easley signed into law today:

“This is a comprehensive budget that helps working families, small businesses and communities,” said NCDP Chair Jerry Meek.“It offers reading help to eighth-graders, tax credits for low-income families, and changes the tax code so that small businesses can immediately claim tax credits on property equipment rather than spreading them out over several years. From high-wage earners to low-income families, North Carolinians across the spectrum get a tax break."

“In an era where obstructionism and name-calling pass for statesmanship,” Meek said, “this budget shows that Democrats offer practical solutions to problems people face today.”