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Governor Bev Perdue stopped near Matthews yesterday a day after her veto of the state budget. She didn't come to persuade lawmakers to change their mind. She only needs two of them to do so to prevent an override. She came to reinforce her message that the budget moves North Carolina backward, especially in education. For the past few weeks, Perdue has been meeting with students, teachers and superintendents across the state on what she's called her "Education Works" tour. "Until yesterday it was a listening tour, helping me make up my mind about vetoing the budget," said Perdue. Weddington High School's library was the last stop. Perdue did some listening, but she also knew what to say to get the applause. "Is there consensus here that teachers assistants and More at Four are more than just someone who makes a copy of a paper..." began Perdue as people started clapping. That reaction wasn't surprising in a crowd that included the president of the local chapter of teacher assistants and an early childhood program manager. Altogether about three dozen educators filled the room, including seven superintendents and, of course, a few reporters. As far as education, the Republican-authored budget is about 1 percent short of what Perdue wants to spend on public schools. It adds funding for 1,100 teachers, but it forces school districts to cut another $124 million. That could translates to the loss of 9,200 jobs. Also, the legislature's budget lets the temporary 1-cent sales tax hike expire, while Perdue's budget calls for a portion of it to continue. . Stanly County Schools Superintendent Sam DePaul told Perdue the past few years have been tough for his district which serves about 9,500 students. "We had to give 135 pink slips out a month ago, upwards of 55 teacher assistants," said Depaul. "What's your unemployment rate?" asked Perdue. "Just around 10 percent. It's huge for our county cause we've lost probably 60 teaching positions the last couple of years, fortunately through attrition. But there's no attrition going into next year." DePaul said with the budget as is class sizes would go up in his district, but not significantly. A CMS parent asked Perdue what the every day person can do to push for more education spending. Perdue had a ready answer. "You each know somebody that you voted for. Call them or email them. I'd call and I'd just say we're watching what you're doing," urged Perdue. "That's what I've asked people to do across the state. It may work, it may not work." The House plans to vote on a possible override of the governor's veto tomorrow. The Senate would vote after that.