Perdue weighs veto of budget-cutting bill

Gov. Beverly Perdue said Monday that she still hasn't decided whether to veto legislation that would give her broader budget-cutting powers.

Although Perdue asked for the authority to cut up to $400 million from state agencies now to help deal with the projected 2011-12 deficit, she has made it clear she's unhappy with the provision in Senate Bill 13 that withholds money from several economic development funds.

"I'm looking at it. I don't want to be combative. I will talk to both the speaker and the pro tem," she said.

Perdue said she talked Monday to businesses interested in North Carolina but worried about the status of those recruitment incentives.

Republican legislative leaders argue the bill won't hurt job recruitment and vow to do what it takes to lure businesses.

The governor has until Wednesday to decide whether to veto the bill.