Some of the words in news reports about Gov. Beverly Perdue’s proposed budget were music to the ears of many taxpayers.

• Trim another 2 percent (about $1.3 billion) in spending.

• Eliminate or reduce dozens of program and requiring cash-strapped local school districts to make even further reductions.

• Cut about 600 jobs (most of them already vacant positions).

• No broad-based tax increases.

• $86 million in tax cuts for small businesses.

• Cut more than 20 inefficient or duplicative programs.

And sweet music it is – as long as those same taxpayers currently aren’t beneficiaries of services being cut.

A Civitas Institute poll shows that nearly two out of three North Carolina voters support spending cuts and freezing spending as preferred methods to balance the state’s budget. Fat chance that means anything to the General Assembly.

As you might suspect, those same news reports indicate that you are going to hear quite a few sour notes in Perdue’s proposal.

• Perdue favors a new transportation fund, “paid for mostly with higher fees,” according to The Associated Press, for urgent projects such as the replacing the Interstate 85 bridge over the Yadkin River at the Davidson/Rowan county line. For example, vehicle registration costs for car and truck owners would climb from $28 to $35.

• The governor’s proposal asks school districts to absorb an additional $135 million in adjustments, which means that burden will be felt locally either in increased taxes or reduced or eliminated services.

• Spending increases in education and other initiatives more than offset savings in other line items.

• Spending on health and human services will rise.

• WRAL points out that Perdue’s proposal includes a 3 percent spending increase over current, reduced levels. The News & Observer reports economic forecasters expect a deficit of at least $800 million and Perdue also proposed spending $86 million on programs meant to create jobs.

No need to feel especially good about the cuts the governor has suggested nor to get your underwear all twisted over what you don’t like about her proposal. Simply recognize that the tune the governor is humming won’t sound anything like it does today once legislators get their hands on the proposal and manipulate it to suit their needs when the short session cranks up in May.

We’re still pretty deep in the hole and, as usual, you are going to help bail us out.