I think a lot about the job market this time of year. This is because of all the graduations of high school and college seniors, and the fact many of them will be looking for their first full-time job. It’s a cliché to say these young people will be entering…
Starting in 2011, North Carolina lawmakers have implemented transformational changes resulting in a strong and growing economy. More people are working, more opportunities are available, and a streamlined, more efficient state government is treating residents more fairly and equitably. We’ve come a long way. Don’t mess it up. Faced with a $2.6 billion shortfall in 2011, legislative leadership…
WINSTON-SALEM — Shawn and Cindy Weeks would like nothing more than to move. They’ve outgrown their house, on a quarter acre in Winston Salem, but can’t find a buyer. It comes down, really, to one law, which removed basic property rights and left homeowners in real estate purgatory. …
Despite repeated stern warnings from state Treasurer Dale Folwell, legislation adding $3 billion in state debt for unspecified transportation projects flew through House and Senate committees with bipartisan support. Sen. Bill Rabon, R-Brunswick, led Senate Bill 758…
Just when things were going so well. … Since 2011, the Republican-led General Assembly has restrained the growth of government, brought spending in line with revenue, paid down debt, put more money in savings than ever, and restored voter approval for new debt.
What can lawmakers consider during the 2018 short session? Not everything, because of limits imposed by the long session Adjournment Resolution. Important issues such as school funding, certificate of need repeal, work requirements for Medicaid, repeal of the capital gains tax, changes to the ABC system, and more will be delayed until 2019. But there’s still plenty of work for legislators. Cross-over bills…
North Carolina taxpayers will foot the bill for a $3 billion transportation bond and won’t have a say in being saddled with the debt if House Bill 1010 passes. Reps. Frank Iler, R-Brunswick; Michelle Presnell, R-Yancey; John Torbett, R-Gaston; and Phil…
The $23.9 billion state General Fund budget proposal reduces personal and corporate income taxes and increases education spending by nearly $700 million. It gives raises to teachers, principals, and state employees, and still sets aside millions of dollars in state reserves. The 2018-19 budget was released Monday night…
Lawmakers have been deliberating a potential $3 billion transportation bond behind closed doors as part of the $23.9 billion budget proposed for 2018-19. The House Select Committee on Strategic Transportation Planning and Long Term Funding Solutions advanced draft legislation in late…
UPDATED, May 23 at 12:25 p.m. to include comments from Rep. Kelly Hastings. A House committee has proposed a $3 billion transportation bond, but state Treasurer Dale Folwell urges lawmakers to put the massive borrowing to a voter referendum if they proceed. “I’m not against more…
