Carolina Journal ExclusivesEasley Proposes $16 Billion Budget Adjustments would hike spending on state employee compensation, debt service, other items By Paul Chesser May 11, 2004 RALEIGH — Gov. Mike Easley released his mid-biennium budget term adjustments yesterday, which he said maintained his priorities for spending discipline, creating jobs, and improving public education. “I think it sets priorities,” the governor said, “and reflects the priorities of the people of North Carolina.” Easley’s plan states that it would increase “non-federal spending” by $876 million over last year. Because authorized General Fund spending for FY 2003-04 was reported as approximately $14.8 billion, the...