Gov. Perdue tells lawmakers to hurry up and pass a budget

Wednesday was the first day of a new fiscal year, and there’s still no state budget.
   
Governor Bev Perdue says it’s time for lawmakers to pick up the pace.
 
Lawmakers are trying to close a $4.6 billion shortfall. Right now, they can’t agree on a plan to bring in $1 billion in revenue for the new fiscal year.
   
Lawmakers passed a temporary spending bill that gives them more time. But that is costing the state $5 million dollars a day until they approve the new budget.
     
Wednesday Perdue said lawmakers should quit debating the small details and simply approve a budget quickly.
   
She told reporters, lawmakers shouldn’t be bogged down over things that make state government function for its citizens.