Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted March 2024 unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, unchanged from February’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.8 percent.
All in State Government
Leader Reives Statement on UNC Board of Governors
"Today, the UNC Board of Governors Committee on University Governance has voted to advance a proposal that will reverse course on policy our university system has had in place for years to foster diverse, inclusive campuses across our state. Our public universities are great because of the diverse opinions, people and mutual respect that are the hallmark of a liberal arts education."
Governor Cooper Criticizes UNC Board's Move Against Diversity Initiatives
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper and former UNC System President Tom Ross released statements on efforts by the UNC System Board of Governors to abolish positions and initiatives that promote diversity at public universities in North Carolina.
John Hood: Job needs propel college reforms
I’ve long been bullish on North Carolina’s community colleges. In the past, I’ve praised the system’s cost-effectiveness, its capacity to serve nontraditional students, and the impressive labor-market returns for associate degrees and other certificates in such fields as industrial technology, home repair, computer sciences, and health care.
John Hood: Cities differ on public safety tech
RALEIGH — The police department in Winston-Salem uses a commercial product called ShotSpotter, a network of audio sensors and software, to identify possible incidents of gunfire and ensure a faster response to them.
Governor Cooper Greets Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio and Mrs. Kishida Yuko at Airport
On Thursday evening, Governor Roy Cooper and First Lady Kristin Cooper greeted Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio and Mrs. Kishida Yuko upon their arrival at RDU-International Airport.
Governor Cooper Announces Boards and Commissions Appointments
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper announced Boards and Commissions appointments.
John Hood: State Revenues Are Down This Year
RALEIGH — State Controller Nels Roseland has just released five months of reports about North Carolina’s General Fund budget. I’m told the delay wasn’t nefarious. It was caused by a change in accounting systems. Well, better late than never — but I hope the delay hasn’t lulled our leaders into complacency.
Governor Cooper Announces Business Court Nominee
Governor Roy Cooper announced his nomination of Todd Brown, Sr. as a Special Superior Court Judge to be designated to the North Carolina Business Court.
Governor Cooper to Host Historic State Visit Welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to North Carolina
Next week, North Carolina will welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and a delegation of Japanese dignitaries and media members for a historic State visit. The Prime Minister and his wife, Yuko Kishida, will join the Coopers for a State luncheon on April 12th at the Executive Mansion and for several events across the state.
Excellent Public Schools Act Propels K-3 Reading Proficiency
North Carolina’s youngest students are continuing to improve on reading benchmarks due to literacy reforms included in the Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021.
Leader Reives Statement on NC Teacher Attrition
The State Board of Education released shocking numbers regarding the state of teacher attrition in North Carolina. According to reporting from the News & Observer, “10,376 of the state’s 90,638 teachers left the profession” between March 2022 and March 2023. The state’s attrition rate rose 47% over the prior report.
John Hood: Light Touch Can Make Homes Affordable
RALEIGH — Because North Carolina is one of the seven states likely to determine the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, and also boasts highly competitive contests for governor and other statewide offices, local races may not be top-of-mind for most voters. Nevertheless, North Carolinians will elect hundreds of county and municipal officials this year — which essentially puts the issue of adequate, affordable housing on the ballot.
Andrea DeSantis named Assistant Secretary of Commerce for N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions
Raleigh, N.C. - Andrea DeSantis, Ph.D., will serve as the next North Carolina Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for the Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS), Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders announced today. She will succeed current Assistant Secretary Chet Mottershead, who is retiring and will remain at the agency for a short time during the transition period.
Governor Cooper Announces Two Superior Court Appointments
Governor Cooper announced two judicial appointments to the North Carolina Superior Court.
John Hood: No Silver Bullet for School Woes
RALEIGH — Because of the tremendous benefits conferred by better education, it would be great if policymakers knew precisely what silver bullets to fire to eliminate obstacles to higher achievement.
Governor Cooper Announces Superior Court and District Attorney Appointments
Governor Roy Cooper announced one judicial appointment to the Superior Court and one District Attorney appointment.
Governor Cooper Announces North Carolina Reaches Electric Vehicle Registration Goals Two Years Early
Governor Roy Cooper announced North Carolina has surpassed initial electric vehicle registration goals two years early in yet another indication of the major shift in underway for American drivers, and emphasizing the need for the state to rapidly increase access to electric charging infrastructure.
One Year After Signing Medicaid Expansion Law, Governor Cooper Celebrates the Progress as Other States Look to North Carolina’s Playbook
Today marks the one year anniversary of Governor Roy Cooper signing Medicaid expansion into law, making North Carolina the 40th state to join this critical program. Just under 4 months since expansion went into effect, nearly 400,000 North Carolinians have gained access to affordable, quality health care. As North Carolina shows tremendous success with the program, holdout states are looking to Governor Cooper’s leadership as a model for how they too can expand Medicaid.
North Carolina's February Employment Figures Released
The state’s seasonally adjusted February 2024 unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, unchanged from January’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.9 percent.