If students have opinions on correcting the state’s budget deficit, they might get their chance to put them to test — in an online game.
N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue will release her budget proposal today, but not before she’s given residents the chance to try balancing it themselves.
The online program, called “Balance the Budget Challenge With Charlie” is an interactive site featuring Charlie, an animated Plott hound — North Carolina’s state dog.
The program leads its participants through a series of programs to eliminate or amend their funding, such as raising tuition for UNC-system schools, releasing state prisoners or laying off state employees. If the user succeeds in balancing the budget, he or she is rewarded with a bone.
The participant is also told how much revenue is raised and how many jobs were cut with each proposal.
Ben Niolet, the director of new media for Perdue, said the governor wants to present the budget to residents in an accessible way as well as let them know what programs are at stake.
“Getting the deficit down to zero is a big part of the budget, but the reality of it is, and I know Governor Perdue is very aware of this, that every number, every choice affects something,” Niolet said.
The governor recently announced that the state’s budget shortfall, originally predicted to be $3.7 billion, is actually expected to be $2.4 billion.
In the introduction text to her budget game, Perdue says there are still tough decisions to be made, and invites users to help her make these choices.