All tagged nc
RALEIGH — In a recent column, I outlined three ways that North Carolina’s system of government differs from that of many other states, including our neighbors. First, I observed that our state constitution unambiguously gives the legislature primacy over public policy while dividing and weakening our executive branch.
RALEIGH — After North Carolina conservatives won control of the General Assembly in 2010, they began a systematic application of supply-side principles to state policy. It’s been a phenomenal success — although I admit others might disagree if their definition of “supply side” differs from mine.
In August 2024, NC Medicaid announced that it would begin covering anti-obesity medications (AOMs) for the treatment of obesity. As one of the states hardest hit by the obesity epidemic, the decision to cover AOMs was a major step in the right direction as the state looks to better treat obesity.
Congress and the Trump Administration have a rare opportunity achieve government reforms that would eliminate waste, promote public health, and give adults who smoke in North Carolina and across the country new avenues to leave cigarettes behind for good: Establish an efficient, workable pathway for less harmful alternatives to cigarettes to be legally sold in the U.S.
RALEIGH — The North Carolina House and Senate have enacted very different versions of a 2025-27 state budget, even though two plans would authorize virtually the same amount of spending. The differences are so vast, in fact, that some insiders predict no comprehensive budget will pass this session.
Over my 24 years living in Mooresville, I've come to recognize it takes people and businesses with diverse backgrounds, skills, products and services to succeed. From our supportive neighbors to our hardworking local businesses, they all depend on strong community institutions that understand their needs and invest in their success.
As the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, fall prevention practices are a top priority for physical therapists across the country. Falls are expensive and painful but also debilitating and can even lead to death. If we do not provide proper preventative care for our older populations, the number of both fatal and nonfatal falls is set to climb as a higher percent of our population reaching 65+.
RALEIGH — There are good reasons to criticize the “Big, Beautiful Bill” the U.S. House just sent to the Senate. But its imposition of work requirements for able-bodied recipients of Medicaid — and more-comprehensive work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — are not among them.
Raleigh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 counties in April 2025. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 4.9 percent while Currituck and Camden Counties each had the lowest at 2.7 percent.
As a conservative, former business owner, and former Cabarrus County Commissioner I take the fiscal stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars very seriously. Having the experiences of serving my fellow citizens and running a business, I know that it’s impossible to continually spend money without regard to the consequences of debt.
Nowadays, it’s easy for important information on key issues to get lost. That’s why I am glad that Senator Michael Lazzara took the time to highlight the significance of rescheduling cannabis in his op-ed, “Rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug.” With growing evidence that cannabis has many therapeutic benefits, we cannot ignore the reality that cannabis-based treatments work.
Although the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tried to address the high cost of prescription drugs, this Forbes article rightly points out the unintended consequences of its "pill penalty.” In the short term, this pill penalty raises the cost of prescription tablets and capsules; in the long term, it stifles important pharmaceutical innovation and research into convenient, easy-to-use pills.
When someone is having a mental health crisis — whether they’re thinking about suicide, acting erratically or experiencing hallucinations — they frequently end up in a hospital emergency department, mostly because there are few places for them to go.
WASHINGTON, N.C. — Tempers were rising among the political faithful on Market Street. Local leaders with the Beaufort County Democratic Party had assembled on the sidewalk outside Shep’s Grill, holding signs that say “VOTE BLUE” and “Josh Stein for Governor.”
From the beginning, it has been clear that the State Health Plan (Plan) performed a well-reasoned, high-integrity, and correct procurement process for third-party administrative services. This process clearly revealed that Aetna’s bid was superior to Blue Cross NC’s, and the Plan’s Board of Trustees properly approved the contract’s award to Aetna. As Judge Melissa Owens Lassiter said in her opinion:
Political strategist Hal Weatherman won the Republican runoff for North Carolina lieutenant governor, defeating Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O'Neill with 74% of the vote. Dave Boliek secured the primary win for State Auditor.
House Bill 10 requires North Carolina sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities when a suspected illegal immigrant is in custody for committing a violent crime. A new provision of the bill allows any person, including a federal agency, to file a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General alleging a sheriff failed to comply with the provisions of this bill.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce released the county tier designations for 2024 today. The designations, which are mandated by state law, play a role in several programs that assist in economic development.
Republican legislators are focused this Session on further eroding public education in North Carolina. The latest effort is a massive expansion of the state’s voucher program. North Carolinians deserve to know the facts about how this would affect education in our state.
