Auditor Merritt on the State Budget

During these tough economic times, you have to work within a budget and make common-sense financial decisions.  State government should do the same -- that's why the Taxpayers' Watchdog, State Auditor Leslie Merritt, is standing up to the political establishment and challenging irresponsible budgeting practices and wasteful spending in state government.

Fighting Irresponsible Budgeting Practices

State Auditor Les Merritt spoke out on the state’s budgeting process, sending a letter to members of the legislature strongly encouraging them to adhere to the following commonly accepted accounting and business principles as they developed the state budget:

Ø All so-called “temporary” taxes should remain temporary.  This is an issue of trust.  If government tells the people of North Carolina that a tax is going to be temporary, it should keep its word.

Ø All money “borrowed” from designated funds (such as the Highway Trust Fund) should be repaid.  If funds are designated for important things like roads, they should not be diverted to other special-interest projects.

Ø No revenue gained from a one-time surplus should be used for recurring projects.  This is just common sense.  Your family wouldn’t use a one-time Christmas bonus to take on a huge monthly payment for a boat.  Our government should use common sense in this area.

Ø Raising the debt ceiling should remain a last resort.

Fighting Wasteful Pork-Barrel Spending

In 2005, Auditor Merritt conducted a detailed audit of a multi-million dollar slush fund set up by legislative leaders from both parties and turned his findings over to the Attorney General.  In a June 3, 2005 editorial, The News & Observer said, "Thanks to State Auditor Les Merritt, North Carolinians have an unvarnished, by-the-numbers look at how three powerful members of the General Assembly spent $14 million in reserve funds from the state budget as if they ruled from thrones and not the people's chairs."

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