(RALEIGH) -- The Republican Speaker of the North Carolina State House said he does not agree with those who think the state sales tax should be increased to fund education. Rep. Thom Tillis of Mecklenburg County was part of the newly elected majority in 2010 who decided to let a "temporary sales tax hike" expire on schedule.

"What we need to do is work more closely with the school systems to find out how to fill the gaps that exist as a result of some of the education cuts," said Tillis. "I think it is a horrible idea to take $800 million out of the private sector in this fragile economy."

Gov. Bev Perdue and the leading gubernatorial candidates in the Democratic Primary have offered the idea of reinstating a temporary sales tax hike that GOP lawmakers let expire on schedule. Tillis said it has not been demonstrated that more money will directly improve education.