(RALEIGH) -- Gov. Bev Perdue made an appearance at the annual Head Start Association Conference in Raleigh on Wednesday and continued to be vocally critical of legislators for cutting education funds.  She said she hopes teacher complaints have made lawmakers change their minds.

"I'm very hopeful that the Republican led General Assembly understands now that early childhood investment is an investment in the economy in North Carolina and that these children really deserve and much have a fair start in life and North Carolina Head Start, Smart Start and Pre-K make that happen for all kids," said Perdue.

Since Perdue announced she was not seeking a second term as governor, she has spent a majority of her time visiting and speaking at education-themed events.