The bond act would reduce availability of funding for other priorities, especially in 2000-01 when the State faces a deficit already. While the bond act could help alleviate the volatile history of capital funding in each budget year, policymakers should not bank on any savings due to reduced support for University capital from the General Fund budget. If you are considering borrowing money from a finance company or are borrowing money against your home, be sure to try and get some advice from a trusted person before you act. This is especially true if a mortgage broker found you first and is promising a great deal. If you feel you have been treated unfairly in a personal loan or mortgage loan, you may be able to receive some assistance by calling your local Legal Services office.
Taxes are also a hot topic.
New State housing tax credits and tax credits for companies which provide capital to community development corporations seem certain to win legislative approval. A committee discussion on the state earned income tax credit, which would primarily benefit working families with children, is expected in late June. The tobacco money has re-emerged. Advocates for growers and tobacco allotment holders, now argue that these parties should receive the rule of their money first and less later. Policymakers who urged creation of The Tobacco Economic Development Foundation and public health advocates must keep a close eye on these rumblings, since a deal had already been approved.