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Gov. Perdue considers emergency declaration to keep people from becoming homeless

NORTH CAROLINA — Governor Bev. Perdue is considering an emergency declaration to keep 2,000 people living in group homes from becoming homeless Jan. 1.

Perdue said she will decide by the end of the week whether to enact the plan that would let her move money around without approval from lawmakers.

Otherwise, she would have to call them back to Raleigh for a special session.

A change in Medicaid rules will make it harder for mentally ill patients to qualify for group home care.