State Republicans claim to be saving the state money, but it just isn't adding up.
As part of the new state budget, Republicans cut expenditures of the Capitol Police force in half, from 4 million to 2 million. Now 40 of 89 officers are on the unemployment line. Seven of 14 patrol cars sit idle.
The Capitol Police were formed in 1967 to patrol 160 Raleigh-area government offices. They also monitor over 1,000 alarm systems throughout the state.
According to Republicans, the Raleigh Police will pick up the slack. However, Raleigh Police Chief Harry Dolan testified that his agency is already spread thin. That's why Raleigh City Council has asked the city's attorney to draft a letter asking the state to pick up the tab for the new areas. Cost? $1.7 million. So much for savings.
Lastly, Republicans have just approved $3 million to put in new metal detectors and other security devices at the North Carolina Legislature. We can't spend a penny for teachers, yet we can find money for this?
As I said, it just doesn't add up.
— Jeff Israel
Canton
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