North Carolina Senate Republicans released their proposed $66 billion biennial budget Monday evening, outlining major funding priorities for the 2025–27 fiscal cycle. Key provisions in the 439-page proposal include pay raises for public employees, hurricane recovery investments, tax cuts, and other policy changes.
The legal battle between Gov. Josh Stein and state legislative leaders over North Carolina elections board appointments will head to a three-judge panel on April 14. The panel expects to issue a ruling by May 1.
State Auditor Dave Boliek is challenging Gov. Josh Stein’s arguments in a lawsuit over future oversight of North Carolina's elections. Stein’s suit attacks a state law that would shift state elections board administration and appointments to Boliek on July 1.
Donna King, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, discusses legislation that would shift the NC State Board of Elections to the state auditor’s office. King offered these comments during the Nov. 29, 2024, edition of PBS North Carolina’s “State Lines.”
NCInnovation, the nonprofit aiming to aid in the commercialization of public university research and financed with $500 million in taxpayer funds, is the subject of an audit investigation by the North Carolina Office of State Auditor (OSA). The OSA investigation and its scope were discussed Monday by NCI board members during a special meeting of the Audit Committee.
Donna King, Carolina Journal editor-in-chief, asked State Auditor Beth Wood about findings from an audit of COVID-19 relief funds. This exchange took place during the Dec. 23, 2022, edition of PBS North Carolina’s “Front Row with Marc Rotterman.”
RALEIGH — In a report released late yesterday, State Auditor Les Merritt explained the handling of special discretionary monies controlled by the leaders of the General Assembly, and suggested that Attorney General Roy Cooper examine legal and constitutional issues related to the special funds. Merritt also raised questions about separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches, as it pertains to control of the reserve funds.
RALEIGH — The president of the N.C. Center for Applied Textile Technology created the appearance of a conflict of interest by accepting outside teaching jobs, State Auditor Ralph Campbell’s Office said in an investigative audit released in mid-April. The auditor’s office was asked to review the secondary employment of the center’s president, James Lemons, by the president of the State Community College System. While that review was in progress, additional allegations were reported through the state auditor’s hotline, but those allegations were not substantiated. The chairman and a majority of trustees of the center told auditors they were aware of the secondary employment, but some of them were not aware the classes met during regular working hours.
RALEIGH — The State Auditor’s Office has delivered to the General Assembly and the Easley administration a new report detailing grants to nonprofit organizations by state agencies last year. The annual report catalogues all grants made by state agencies to nonprofits such as Smart Start partnerships, economic development groups, and community service agencies. Legislators last year set a deadline of Jan. 31 for compiling the report as part of an effort to increase oversight of nonprofit agencies. Most of the nonprofits met the reporting requirements in time, but a few did not.
