Conservative groups using power of media to highlight positives in NC budget

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Two conservative-leaning organizations have
started what they call a voter education effort to highlight what
they say are good things in the Republican-written budget for North
Carolina state government.

The Americans for Prosperity Foundation and John William Pope
Civitas Institute unveiled Thursday the “NC Real Solutions”
initiative, which includes radio and television ads and a web site.

Foundation state director Dallas Woodhouse said his group plans
to spend $500,000 over the next month on the effort that attempts
to combat what he calls lies about the budget.

The ad running in most major North Carolina TV markets says the
budget lowered taxes and hired more state-funded teachers.
Democrats argue the budget slashed spending on health care and the
environment and forced local school districts to eliminate
thousands of jobs.