State Senate approves job incentives bill

Although the budget has been signed, there are still important legislative issues on the table. Stam said extending the JDIG grants will put the state on the hook over time for up to $400 million – money that could otherwise be used for infrastructure improvements that would help promote jobs across the state.

The Senate was expected to hold the first of two required votes Wednesday on the new version of the package, which would initiate $935 million in borrowing for 14 UNC campus projects, compared to 11 in the initial Senate package.

An updated $2 billion bond proposal would allocate more proceeds to University of North Carolina projects and parks but slightly less to community colleges and infrastructure loans.

Some state senators want to require school districts to share more funds with charter schools.

Sen. Dan Blue, D-Wake, urged GOP colleagues to consider locating proceeds to additional historically black colleges in the UNC system. The House proposal also set a March referendum date. Those provisions have been criticized as handouts for favored industries, but supporters say companies could leave North Carolina if the credits were allowed to expire.

The new bond package includes $75 million for dozens of state parks, recreation and natural areas, while reducing the N.C. Zoo’s allotment from $45 million to $25 million.

The Senate’s Monday proposal called for a November 2016 referendum, which would have a large turnout with the presidential elections.

Cox also noted that both versions of the bond bill have left about $200 million in undesignated funds. Their plan would not borrow money for renovating roads and highways.

Prominent legislation still considered a priority is pending, but some measures have been negotiated by House and Senate Republicans while budget talks went on late this summer and already are in the queue.

– $100 million for a new laboratory for the state Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services.

– $70 million for National Guard construction, compared to $82.7 million.