news-record.com

Last month, the Republicans in the legislature set a trap for Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue and baited it with 37,000 people whose unemployment benefits were about to run out.

They could receive extended payments, the legislators said. But the governor would have to sign a measure that also would keep state government running at a lower spending level if a new budget isn't enacted by July 1. Perdue vetoed the bill.

This week, House Republicans drew up another bill with almost the same features. It extends unemployment benefits for a now-increased number of people -- about 45,000. But this time, it would provide continued spending for only three months after July 1, instead of up to a year.

This measure will come up for a vote in the House next week. If both the House and Senate approve it, Perdue should reject it again.

There is no reason to link the issue of jobless benefits for people who need them now to a continuing spending resolution that would go into effect on July 1. That spending resolution has nothing to do with paying for the benefits. The unrelated measures are connected for the sole purpose of forcing Perdue to accept a Republican spending plan.

These matters should be handled separately. If Republicans agree with Perdue that the unemployment benefits should be extended, they should send a bill to accomplish that and only that. Perdue will sign in it, and then the problem will be settled. It's as simple as that.

Reaching a budget agreement will require much more negotiation and give-and-take. Everyone should hope the governor and legislators will resolve their differences and enact a new budget before July 1. If they can't, and the state needs a temporary spending measure to keep operating, they should negotiate the terms of that, too. The governor will forfeit her ability to negotiate if she gives in to the Republican ploy. Despite its powerful bait -- those thousands of people whose incomes have been cut off -- it is a clumsy trap.

The governor and legislative leaders have wide differences over budget and policy concerns. It won't be easy for them to cross their divide, yet they must do it. An impasse cannot stand indefinitely. They'll have a better chance to succeed if they work on the basis of trust and good will. How is that possible, however, when one side resorts to tricks or political maneuvers to get its way?

The public can see what's going on. Some may blame the governor and some might fault the legislature. They'll all be right. And they all should expect better from their leaders.

Good government requires the cooperation of everyone in authority, across party lines. Partisan politics is a trap all our leaders must avoid.