CHARLOTTE — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools operates on a neighbhorhood-schools model. But families can choose to send their children to other public schools if they enter a lottery to do so. The study shows low-income students placed by a lottery benefited from added choices.
RALEIGH — In response to Democrats’ concerns that a ballot question in the fall would drive higher turnout among conservative voters (hurting Democrats’ chances), Republican sponsors booked the referendum for the May 2012 primary election.
RALEIGH — The survey of voters in 10 states, including North Carolina, shows a plurality concluding that salaries and benefits for government workers are too high for the duties they perform, while half of voters oppose collective bargaining for public employees.
RALEIGH — The sole amendment to pass this week's session — one that defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman — will appear on the primary ballot in May next year for approval by voters. The others, including one curbing state and local governments' eminent domain powers, remain eligible for consideration.
RALEIGH — The marriage amendment has become the centerpiece of this week’s legislative session devoted to constitutional amendments. If the amendment passes the Senate, voters would decide the matter in the May 2012 primary election.
RALEIGH — Indications are that legislators will address eminent domain reform when they reconvene for their “short session” in May next year. If they approve the amendment at that time, the issue could still appear on the General Election ballot in November for final approval by voters.
RALEIGH — Tar Heel lawmakers spent $5,591 in taxpayer funds on food, beverages, and bottled water during the first quarter of 2011, compared to $10,186 during the first quarter of 2010, according to official congressional disbursement records.
RALEIGH — Democrats claim that a version of the amendment introduced in the Senate would ban private companies from offering domestic partner benefits to their homosexual employees. Republicans counter that the amendment would not affect private contractual agreements.
RALEIGH — Prompted in response to a push in state governments and the judiciary to legalize same-sex marriage, Republicans and conservative Democrats have introduced marriage amendments each session since 2003. This year is the first time the idea has gotten traction.
RALEIGH — In the near term, the slashed budget at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching will mean fewer five-day seminars, more on-site training for teachers in school districts, and ramped up private fundraising. It’s also meant dozens of layoffs over the past two years.
RALEIGH — The Heritage Action for America legislative scorecard ranks lawmakers on 30 votes and five co-sponsorships in the House and 19 votes and 4 co-sponsorships in the Senate.
