(RALEIGH) -- Gov. Bev Perdue has offered a response to an offer by State Senate President Phil Berger to debate a proposed tax increase.  She said she would be interested to hear from Sen. Berger and House Speaker Thom Tillis on their thoughts on the proposed increase.

"I look forward to seeing how the intend to provide the investments in education that are critical for us to have more success stories," said Perdue.

As far as getting into a one-on-one debate with Sen. Berger over her proposed temporary three-quarters of a cent increase in the state sales tax, Perdue decline the invitation saying is was a cheap stunt.

"We need to have a forum where she can make her point, I can respond to them," said Sen. Berger. "She is not willing to debate the issue."