Gov. Bev Perdue's office sent word last night that she would speak to the N.C. Business Committee Education meeting today at noon.

Typically, such speaking appearances draw newspaper and television reporters, both because they want to hear what's on the governor's mind and because Perdue usually holds opportunity to ask questions after such speaking engagements. These "gaggles" are important because Perdue does not hold regular news conferences. 

Questions today would have likely centered on the budget legislators sent her today -- and whether she would sign or veto the measure -- as well as the mysteriously altered letter from DOT.

So reporters were a bit perplexed when about two minutes before she was supposed to speak, Perdue canceled her appearance entirely. 

A spokesman for the governor said she couldn't come because she was "in meetings about the budget." 

Update: Apparently the governor didn't like the outcome of those meetings.

“My top priority is increasing our investment in education so that we can prepare our children to compete in the 21st century economy," she said in a statement. "The budget passed today does not go far enough in restoring funding for public schools in North Carolina. I will continue to review the proposal, but it is my sincere hope that the General Assembly will find a way to do better in the days ahead.”