(RALEIGH) -- The recession is not over. That is what a majority of North Carolina voters told the latest Civitas Institute poll.

Francis Deluca is president of the raleigh-based political think tank. He said in spite of what economists may say, North Carolinians surveyed feel the recession is still going strong. "Eighty-one percent of the people who responded said they disagree and only 18 percent agree, so it's pretty clear and only 1 percent said they didn't have an opinion but that's a pretty resounding no.  These people think the economy is still in recession," said Deluca.

On another issue, Deluca said that in light of the state's budget shortfall, a majority of North Carolinians are in favor of cutting the number of state employees, instead of pay cuts.  Budget writers are looking to close a projected $3.7 billion gap in the coming fiscal year.