It is truly a sad time when our elected officials cannot agree on issues related to the budget. I guess they do not realize how many people they are holding hostage due to this procastination. Many are teachers and State employees who need to know if they have jobs in the future. It is very stressful and uncalled for. I realize the economy is tight but stay the course and get the job done soon so we State employees can get back to work and quit worrying if we will be working next month. Maybe Mary Easley can pay us out of her settlement she will probably get since she only worked part days