RALEIGH – The following statement is from Bob Phillips, executive director of Common Cause NC, in response to the state budget adopted today by the NC General Assembly:

“At a time when North Carolina has a $6 billion surplus in state funds, short-sighted legislators have shortchanged voters by making reckless cuts to elections funding. With no good reason, lawmakers have reduced the budget for the State Board of Elections. These unnecessary cuts could result in the loss of critical personnel, including cybersecurity experts who help safeguard our elections. The move by state budget writers fails the people of North Carolina. The legislature should fully restore funding to the State Board of Elections.”

Common Cause NC is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy.