RALEIGH, N.C. —
Gov. Mike Easley says state agencies may have to dig a little deeper soon given the uncertain economy.
Easley said Tuesday he may order agencies soon to reduce their budgets by 3 percent.
The governor ordered a 2 percent cut last month to provide additional cash reserves should this year's budget shortfall widen. The earlier order didn't apply to public education, Medicaid and student financial aid.
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Easley says he'd likely make a decision later this week.
Tax collections were as much as $70 million below projections through August. September figures aren't yet in.
Easley said he's ordering cutbacks early in the fiscal year so that they won't be that painful -- or necessary -- when his successor takes office in January.
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