The tug of war continues in Raleigh with State Legislators garnering votes to override the Governor’s vetos on the budget and other laws.  On July 2, 2012 Republicans in the House and Senate voted to override Governor Perdue’s veto of the $20.17 billion budget adjusted for 2012-2013 (HB 950). This budget increased spending by 2.5% (-0.5% after inflation).  Reportedly, no tax rates were increased.  The budget provides state employees and teachers a 1.2% raise. It fully funds the state retirement system and gives retirees a 1% cost of living adjustment.  The 2012-2013 adjusted budget restores $251 million to public education. It provides $27 million for an education reform program that focuses on student literacy, improving graduation rates, and rewarding effective teachers. The budget fully funds enrollment growth in K-12, community colleges, and the university system.  Community colleges and the university system are given funds for a 1.2% raise for recruiting, retaining, or rewarding excellent instructors. The budget cuts and freezes the gas tax at 37.5 cents per gallon. This is 1.4 cents less than the current rate.  Then, SB 820 “Clean Energy and Economic Security Act”  creates the Mining and Energy Commission that will develop regulations for horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. It became law this week on July 2, 2012 after the House and Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto.   And finally, SB 416 amends death penalty procedures. Major changes detail the use of evidence to prove racial discrimination. It eliminates the defendant’s ability to use statewide statistical evidence. It also limits the use of statistical data to approximately a 15 year window around the time the death sentence was sought or imposed. It ends the moratorium on the death penalty.  It also became law this week on July 2, 2012 after the House and Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto.