The General Assembly sent Gov. Roy Cooper a bill changing how proposed constitutional amendments will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. Democrats claimed the move was motivated by fear the ballot language would portray the six amendments in an unfavorable light. In a special session convened…
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…
Victims of human trafficking can feel mistreated in the North Carolina justice system, facing charges for offenses they committed while under the influence of coercion and deception, state policymakers say. A new bill, which passed the N.C. General Assembly on June 15 and is awaiting…
In May, about 19,000 North Carolina teachers gathered in Raleigh to “Rally for Respect,” an event organized by the N.C. Association of Educators. The choice of the word “respect” was important. It implied attendees felt disrespected. By whom? The Republican-led General Assembly, of course. You can select all sorts of statistics, but many…
Four towns in Mecklenburg County can open and run their own charter schools apart from the local board of education. After lengthy — sometimes heated — debate, House Bill 514 passed 64-53 on Wednesday, June 6, and it’s now law.
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…
Discussions around the revised 2018-19 budget have often focused on K-12 education spending. Teacher and principal pay, as well as school safety, have been hot topics in those discussions. The budget has made some happy, with Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina praising…
The House Select Committee on School Safety has announced plans to appropriate $35 million for a bevy of school safety measures in the upcoming budget. Committee Chairman Rep. David Lewis, R-Harnett and Chairman Rep. John A. Torbett, R-Gaston led a press conference Thursday, May 24,…
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai visited Graham High School to recognize North Carolina’s recent technological achievement. The Tar Heel State is the first and only state with broadband access in every single classroom. “As we enter a digital economy we want our students to be…
