The General Assembly faces some serious challenges in the upcoming budget.

It is a time that we all need to pay close attention to issues that need to be be dealt with and speak to our representatives about our concerns.

One issue will be raising teacher pay by an average of 7 percent. That's what is needed to bring the pay scale to national average.

Without it we are expecting our future, our children to be educated at bargain basement rates.

The state and our local district's employ some dedicated, quality instructors who would do what they do regardless of the 7 percent, but is it smart of us to expect that of them.

In a strained and changing economy our children will need to be better trained, better creative thinkers and better team players to meet the challenges of the declining manufacturing base.

The seven percent -- or even a lesser percent if the is what it shakes out in the end -- is an investment in our future.

The Governor's Office proposes collecting that from an increase of 20 cents in the tax on each pack of cigarettes. That is likely a good place to get the money.

Sen. Don East is not hopeful any tax increase in an election year. He has never been supportive of any tax increase, even the motel accommodations tax that benefits only local businesses and comes mostly from people outside the area to stay in motel and bead and breakfast accommodations.

Sen. East may need some instruction from voters on the necessity in investing in the future.

Another huge need is funding to help straighten out the financially stressed mental health system in this state.

The governor proposes a tax increase on beer and wine sales. That will be a tougher sell, considering the growing importance of the wine industry, according the Rep. Jim Harrell III. The mental health system is in huge need to help, however and we need to be looking at ways to fix the problem before it really blows up on us.

Harrell is continuing to push for funding for a Viticulture center at Surry Community College. That is another investment in our locale that is needed. We are the heart of the wine industry. The Viticulture Center will help winegrowers do their jobs better and grow the industry statewide. Wine production will be a major part of our economic future.