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.
All in Politics
Governor Stein Statement on Revised State Revenue Forecast
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein released the following statement on the Consensus Forecasting Group’s revised consensus general fund revenue forecast:
Op-ed: Why I support tackling our Nation’s debt
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.
Leader Reives Statement on Revised Revenue Forecast
The Revised Consensus General Fund Revenue Forecast released by the CFG yesterday should give lawmakers pause. Policies enacted both by the Majority in this General Assembly and by the President of the United States and his Republican majorities in Congress have North Carolina headed toward a precarious financial situation.
Governor Stein Urges Congress to Lower Costs for North Carolinians at NC State Emerging Issues Forum
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein spoke at the Emerging Issues Forum at NC State to outline his energy priorities and urge Congress to lower costs for consumers by protecting clean energy projects in North Carolina.
John Hood: Fiscal Fantasies Threaten Our Economic Future
RALEIGH — I wrote my first book — about what’s now called corporate ESG (for Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria) — in 1996. After six subsequent works of serious nonfiction, I redirected my authorial energies in 2020 toward writing historical-fantasy novels set in early America. Patriot soldiers battle flying demons. Daniel Boone hunts fire-spitting salamanders. Shadowy mages ensorcell Washington politicians into committing grave errors. Get the picture?
Op-Ed: Energy markets thrive on predictability, not political whiplash
No one likes to have the rug pulled out from under them.
No matter who you are or what you do, certainty in today’s business world isn’t just nice to have, it’s a necessity
Op-Ed: NC House bills will undercut services to homeless vets
As a U.S. Navy veteran, I am honored to manage a team that serves other veterans who find themselves without a home in North Carolina. In my role as director of outreach for Veterans Services of The Carolinas (VSC), our team collaborates daily with the faith-based community, mental health and substance use providers, LME/MCOs, law enforcement, housing providers, and others across all 100 counties of North Carolina.
NC House Huddle: Friday, May 23rd
NC House Huddle newsletter for the week of May 23rd.
John Hood: Employment Gains Reflect Policy Successes
RALEIGH — North Carolina’s strong economic performance persists — as do the lessons it reveals about politics and public policy.
NC Houses passes its buget with a prediction of tough negotiations ahead
The state House gave final approval to its budget proposal Thursday, with one of its lead authors predicting a hard road to passage of a final spending plan.
Statement from Governor Josh Stein on FEMA Ending Direct Assistance
(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein today released the following statement regarding FEMA’s notification that it will no longer provide direct federal assistance for the US Army Corps of Engineers:
Leader Reives Statement on House Budget Vote
This is not the budget that House Democrats would have proposed, but it is the best proposal we will see this Session. It continues to fund opportunity scholarships and does not address many of the critical investments we need across state government.
Governor Stein’s Statement on the House Budget Proposal
The House’s proposed budget isn’t perfect. But I am pleased that the House raises teacher pay to make North Carolina’s starting teacher salaries the second-highest in the Southeast and rewards our state employees with a raise.
John Hood: Cooper’s Blunder Still Holds Us Back
RALEIGH — Roy Cooper will reportedly make some headlines next month. I have no idea whether he’ll announce a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026. If he does, the former governor will present a formidable challenge to incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis. If he doesn’t run, it will be at least partly because Cooper believes he’ll win — and the prospect of spending the next six years in Washington may fill him with more dread than delight.
State Treasurer Brad Briner in Support of N.C. House Budget Proposal
(Raleigh, N.C.) — State Treasurer Brad Briner released the following statement in response to the House’s proposed state spending plan.
North Carolina House Budget Boosts Teacher Pay, Delivers Tax Relief, and Cuts Government Waste
Raleigh, NC – Today, the North Carolina House of Representatives released a state budget that is Committed to Carolina, delivering meaningful pay raises for teachers and state employees, targeted tax relief for working families, and cuts to wasteful government spending, including DEI programs.
Governor Stein Shares Recommendations on Proposed FEMA Reforms
(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein this week shared his recommendations on key reforms at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to improve federal disaster response. Governor Stein provided his input to the President’s FEMA Review Council in a letter in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s request for public input.
John Hood: Carolina Patriots Showed Their Resolve
RALEIGH — Our state’s official seal presents North Carolina as a series of dualities. In the background of the circular emblem are green-topped mountains to the west and crystal-blue water to the east. In the foreground, two female figures in classical garb symbolize Liberty (clutching a constitution in one hand and the traditional “liberty cap” in the other) and Plenty (holding stalks of grain in one hand and an overflowing cornucopia in the other).
Governor Stein Announces Superior Court Appointment
The Honorable Eula Reid to the Superior Court for Judicial District 1, serving Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties. Reid is filling the vacancy created after the Honorable Jerry Tillett retired.