Tonight Connections with George Fisher had NC Rep. Angela Bryant on the show.  She talked about the exhausting tasks and efforts of getting the NC budget together on the House side. Bryant said she anticipated the House finishing up by Tuesday.  This was certainly a good civics lesion on how politics works in Raleigh.  She did a really good job of explaining the Bill –through-Committee process.

Lanier Cansler was a topic of conversation.  I would have been remiss had I not brought DHHS up in light of NCGS budget cuts.  It is certainly no secret that I’ve talked about him on Connections and blogged about him here; note that nothing I’ve said about him has been positive—refer: http://tinyurl.com/2w2z7tu . 

Rep. Bryant’s opinion is that Cansler needs to go (I’m paraphrasing).  I concur.  Bryant mentioned the fact that one of Canler’s big lobbying clients took the no-bid contract that will replace PCS services in the Health and Human Services Department. (Connections reported on this several weeks ago)

I asked her if she thought Canler’s actions were to some measure a conflict of interest and she agreed that they were in probability a conflict.  Interestingly, she is not the only Legislator who has come out in favor of Cansler’s removal.  There are many many more who wonder why Gov. Bev Perdue has held on to him for so long.  -As a side note, Former House Speaker, Richard Morgan, who by the way is a Republican (as is Cansler) used a youtube video to explain Cansler’s “shaky” dealings. (see video http://tinyurl.com/38bxd3z ) Even though Morgan was unsuccessful in his election bid, I’ve learned over time that politicians have a tendency to tell the truth when they don’t like one another.

Bryant is a firm believer and supporter of education and a supporter of the  States roll to ensure every child gets the very best experience possible in the Public School setting.  As we talked about budget cuts as it relates to education, she did acknowledge that 80% of the education budget is in personnel. That leaves very little room to cut technology and equipment.  Although some of that will certainly hit the chopping block, the bulk of  the cuts will surely come in a decreased staff which may involve furloughs.  To me, what is really gripping is some school boards across the State are revisiting the idea of 4 day work weeks. (cite: http://tinyurl.com/36wo6tk )

Above are some of the Bills sponsored, either in whole or in part, by Rep. Bryant during the Short Session of the NCGA.  I would encourage anyone interested in socio-economic issues to visit Bryant’s  House website at: http://tinyurl.com/39fo8fe . 

I say this because, tonight, Bryant spoke convincingly about the need for economic development and the importance of education.  There are many families living on minimum wage incomes: often having more than one job, just to make ends meet.  Children, sometimes, do not get the guidance they so desperately need because parents have to work sometimes 2 jobs just to put food on the table. 

Bryant not only understands these issues, but tonight she underscored that the  juvenile system, at some point, may very well see these kids because parents, even as good intentioned role models, simply can’t be at home enough to instill core values.  In my opinion, anyone who thinks negatively of a parent in this situation hasn’t lived on minimum wage while paying: 2.90/gal for gas, milk at 4.29/gal, 500+ light bill,  car payment, insurance, rent, et. al.  

Rep. Bryant promised to come back the middle of next week to discuss the outcome of the House part of the budget.

So, stay tuned to Connections with George Fisher on WNCR TV & DCN TV.