With the end of the state’s fiscal year just three weeks away, the N.C. House and Senate have reached a deal for the next budget. After weeks of closed negotiations, N.C. Senate and House leaders have agreed to a top-line spending number of $25.7 billion in the first year and…
The House has passed a bill that would prohibit the exclusive teaching of Critical Race Theory in North Carolina public school classrooms. The 66-48 vote on May 12 followed a scorched-earth debate in which Democrats called the measure anti-American and hateful, while Republicans countered that it was focused on ensuring…
A new lawsuit filed Friday, May 7, in Carteret County would end Gov. Roy Cooper’s ability to issue executive orders linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. The suit contends that Cooper has lost his authority to issue COVID-related orders because no state of emergency exists today. Raleigh-based attorney Chuck Kitchen…
The N.C. Senate will consider the House’s Academic Transparency, House Bill 755, which would require that school systems post all curriculum and lesson plans so that parents and taxpayers can see what is being taught in the state’s public schools. The measure passed the House Wednesday, May 5, 66-50, along…
North Carolina now consistently ranks among the best states in which to do business.
As North Carolina prepares to celebrate National School Choice Week Jan. 24-30, the cause of educational freedom could see even more advancement during the North Carolina General Assembly’s 2021-2022 session. School-choice advocates are coming off what turned out to be a breakout year…
When the General Assembly reconvenes next week, broadband promises to be a hot topic. One of lawmakers’ first order of business, according to Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, will be to pass legislation handling money in the rural broadband grant program. In December, legislative leaders and…
Less than a year after an audit of the N.C. Department of Transportation found massive overspending, a blue-ribbon panel is recommending the department get a 40% budget hike. The N.C. First Commission, created by former Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon to assess the state’s transportation priorities,…
Lawmakers are returning to Raleigh, and they have a loaded agenda. The legislative session begins Wednesday, Jan. 13, when lawmakers will deal with the pandemic, pass a budget, complete redistricting, and tackle needed reforms. Republicans remain in control of both chambers, but they lack the numbers…
As the Biden administration takes office, there will be a stark contrast with the Trump administration on almost all policy areas. Perhaps no issue area will show as much contrast between the two presidents as much as health care. Regardless of the two men’s ideological differences, Biden should leave…
