Sources connected to the North Carolina House and the North Carolina Senate confirmed to CJ that they have firm commitments from enough Democrats in both chambers of the General Assembly to pass a final compromise with enough votes that Gov. Roy Cooper will either have to sign the budget or allow it to become law...
A year ago, in the midst of the pandemic, all hands were wringing about shortages – shortages of food, everyday essentials, salaries, and government revenues. State budget experts were expecting revenue shortfalls of between 5% and 10%. Massive layoffs of state workers were possible, even possibly reaching into the ranks of university professors. Now, a...
Even at low interest rates, borrowing is costlier than paying cash. And the governor proposes to put his $4.6 billion debt spree on the ballot in an off-year, low-turnout election.
John Hood on the politics of the budget; Thom Tillis & Terry Stoops on dustup with NCAE; Jim Crawford, Dan Ingle & Mike Stone on discouraging habitual thieves; Darrell Allison & Democratic legislators on lifting the charter school cap; Michael Sanera on local government spending.
Terry Stoops on Wake judge's role in education budget/policy; Stephen Hayes on President Obama's prospects; Paul Stam on challenge to federal health law; Richard Stevens & Linda Garrou on budget priorities; Rick Henderson on legislation targeting Alcoa.
Joe Coletti on House budget details; Harold Black on myths of predatory lending; Rick Glazier & William Current on independent redistricting; Steven Hayward on waning influence of radical environmentalists; Michael Sanera on local governments' cash stash.
Joe Coletti on solving N.C.'s budget crisis; Michael Boskin on federal gov't growth; Bryan Holloway & Larry Bell debate standardized tests; Jenna Ashley Robinson on liberal bias among college faculty; Rick Henderson on folly of some occupational licensing.
John Hood on Gov. Perdue's rejection of ABC privatization; Terry Stoops reacts to comments by Wake Super Tony Tata; Jim Crawford on state budget picture; Petur Jonsson on people's economic choices; Jon Ham on media coverage of AZ shooting and Tea Party.
Terry Stoops on charter school cap; Kevin Carlson & Joe Coletti on N.C.'s $2.5B debt for unemployment benefits; Joe John & Greg McLeod on reforming SBI crime lab; Bob Orr on legal victory for transparency; Daren Bakst on EPA push to limit greenhouse gases.
Rick Henderson on Easley plea deal; Michael Barone on GOP gains in 2010; Marilyn Avila on approach to plug budget hole; Rick Rothacker on effects of economic slump on Charlotte; Roy Cordato on policy reform suggestions for new legislature.
