In a recent update from Lt. Governor Walter Dalton, the following statements were released.  Lt. Governor Walter Dalton is the most forward thinking individual within our state government and should be commended for his efforts to bring economic growth to every corner of the Tar Heel State. 

The N.C. House passed its version of the budget early Saturday.  The House version includes more than $2 billion in cuts and a $780 million revenue package to mitigate some of the worst cuts to education and other critical programs.  House and Senate leaders will now go to conference to work out the differences in the two legislative bodies’ budgets.>>

North Carolina is facing extremely difficult economic times, brought on by federal credit policies and a global economic downturn.  The State is experiencing budget shortfalls of more than $4 billion, levels not seen since the Great Depression, leaving Governor Perdue and state legislators with tough choices as they balance the budget.>>

While Lt. Gov. Dalton’s Small Business Assistance Fund was not included in the House budget, he will continue to work with legislators to keep funding in the final budget.  The Small Business Assistance Fund would provide low-interest loans and loan guarantees to small businesses to help them survive the economic downturn.  The fund received $3 million in the Senate’s version of the budget and will, therefore, be discussed in the budget conference.  >>

To help pass the Small Business Assistance Fund into law and get help flowing to small businesses, please contact your legislators.  You can locate your representatives at http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/GIS/RandR07/Representation.html. >>

Small businesses that need immediate help should contact the following sources for assistance:>>

Small Business & Technology Development Center>>

http://www.sbtdc.org/ >>

919.715.7272>>

800.258.0862 > >

Small Business Administration>>

http://www.sba.gov/localresources/district/nc/index.html >>

 (704) 344-6563  > >

NC Institute of Minority Economic Development>>

http://www.ncimed.com/

919.956.8889
 
Lt. Gov. Dalton continues to meet with small businesses across the state about their needs and concerns in the current economic climate.  To read the most recent articles about these meetings, please visit  http://www.ltgov.state.nc.us/.