McCrory stresses reserves in 1st NC budget plan

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Gov. Pat McCrory's first two-year budget proposal for North Caroilna state government is heavy on setting aside money for emergencies, building repairs and Medicaid and light on creating new programs.

McCrory on Wednesday unveiled his spending plan to take effect July 1 through mid-2015. It provides $400 million for the state's rainy day fund, $300 million for state building renovations and $180 million to deal with potential Medicaid shortfalls.

The new Republican governor wants $2.7 million to rebrand and retool the state's economic development strategy and $2 million to consider government reorganization. But he offered no big signature initiative.

McCrory says the proposal is about fixing recent cracks in the state's fiscal foundation so that more money can be allocated later to education and other efforts that will create jobs.