Let's hear it for Gov. Perdue: NC governor vetoes health plan, student loan bills

[cali]

By Emery P. Dalesio
Associated Press / April 14, 2011


RALEIGH, N.C.—Gov. Beverly Perdue on Wednesday vetoed Republican-backed legislation that for the first time would have required monthly health insurance premiums for all active North Carolina state workers and teachers for health insurance.


Perdue also vetoed a measure that allowed community college campuses to opt out of participating in a federal student loan program, her fourth veto of 2011 and the most in a year by a North Carolina governor.

The Democrat's vetoes come as Republicans, who last controlled the General Assembly 140 years ago, pursue campaign promises that would change a raft of state policies and spending practices.

Perdue vetoed a proposal to close a $515 million shortfall through mid-2013 in the State Health Plan, which pays health care costs for 663,000 state employees, teachers, retirees and their dependents. A similar health plan bailout cost about $670 million two years ago and resulted in nearly 9 percent annual increases for dependent care premiums.

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http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2011/04/14/nc_governor_vetoes_health_plan_student_loan_bills/