Social Services Officials Protest Proposed Cuts In State Budget

Proposed cuts in the state budget are not sitting well with members of the social services departments across North Carolina.

Social Services representatives came to Raleigh Tuesday to plead with lawmakers not to cut human services programs.

"Well in particular, we are concerned about cuts that would impact the vulnerable population...like cuts to the services and elderly like Medicaid cuts to pregnant women and infants," said John Shore, of the Guilford County Department of Social Services. "Both of those services, if delayed, would result in much higher costs later on."

The proposed House budget relies on deep cuts in programs rather than new taxes. The proposed Senate budget plan would increase taxes on cigarettes and alcohol.