A new statewide poll found overwhelming voter support across all political lines for greater energy competition, a regional free market for energy, and more renewable energy, including offshore wind.
All in State Government
School districts crucial to North Carolina's economic health and stability
North Carolina’s traditional public schools are represented by 115 county and city school districts. For almost 100 years since the Great Depression and the Machinery Acts of 1931 and 1933, the State of North Carolina has provided the preponderance of financial support for most of the public school employees in these school districts.
North Carolina's April County and Area Employment Figures Released
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in April 2024.
Governor Cooper Travels to Switzerland for Economic Development Trip
On Wednesday and Thursday, Governor Cooper met with 14 companies in Switzerland as part of an economic development trip, including Syngenta, ABB and Novartis. He also met with the Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda.
Republican Officials Delay PFAS Regulations, Hold Stocks in Opposing Companies
The Republican-controlled Environmental Management Commission is stalling efforts to regulate PFAS in North Carolina while members of the Commission own stock in companies that lobbied against PFAS regulation. The Commission is responsible for adopting rules for the “protection, preservation, and enhancement of the water and air resources of the State.”
John Hood: Higher exports would aid Carolina economy
While some economic metrics continue to offer good news to North Carolinians, others point in a different direction. U.S. agricultural exports, for example, fell by $17 billion last year and appear to be on track for another decline of about $8 billion or so this year.
Statement on Governor's Veto of House Bill 198
Senate Transportation Committee Chairs Sens. Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow), Tom McInnis (R-Moore), and Vickie Sawyer (R-Iredell) released the following joint statement on Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of House Bill 198, “DOT Legislative Changes.-AB”:
Governor Cooper Vetoes One Bill
Governor Roy Cooper vetoed the following bill: House Bill 198: DOT Legislative Changes.-AB, AN ACT TO MAKE CHANGES TO TRANSPORTATION LAWS, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.
Op Ed: Removing Diversity Equity and Inclusion is Not Neutral
On May 23 the University of North Carolina System Board of Trustees voted to repeal its Diversity & Inclusion Policy in favor of “institutional neutrality.” This new policy, which was introduced in April, will remove funding for DEI offices and eliminate various diversity-related positions across the 17 UNC System schools. Chancellors will be required to report cuts to existing jobs and DEI spending by September 1.
North Carolina House Leadership Files Bill to Ensure Citizens-Only Voting
North Carolina House Leadership filed House Bill 1074, to ensure citizens-only voting in North Carolina.
Governor Cooper to Lead Economic Development Trip in Europe
RALEIGH: Governor Cooper and a delegation of state officials will travel to Europe on an economic development trip from May 24-31. The Governor and state officials will meet with companies and government officials in France, Germany and Switzerland and will focus on investment opportunities and job creation in North Carolina.
House Democratic Leadership Team Statement on UNC DEI Vote
North Carolina is a diverse state and that diversity is our strength. It is troubling to see the continued politicization of important state institutions, particularly higher education.
Op Ed: A Request from a North Carolina Public School Graduate
In 1993 Robeson County residents had a median income of approximately $21,000. Respectively, in 2022, residents of Robeson County, NC had a median income of approximately $35,000. This is the county I grew up in and this county remains one one of North Carolina's poorest counties.
North Carolina's April Employment Figures Released
The state’s seasonally adjusted April 2024 unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, unchanged from March’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.9 percent.
Leader Reives Statement on SB20 Anniversary
“Today marks one year in North Carolina since Republican leaders stripped women of their fundamental right to bodily autonomy. SB20 was the first step toward a full abortion ban, and North Carolinians should have no doubt about it," House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said.
Governor Cooper Signs One Bill Into Law
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper signed the following bill into law:
Treasurer Folwell Submits Framework for Draft Legislation to Enact NC 401(k) Employer Match for All State Employees
State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, has submitted a framework for draft legislation that introduces a monthly $25 employer match for nearly 350,000 active members in the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS), Consolidated Judicial Retirement System (CJRS), Legislative Retirement System (LRS) and the Optional Retirement Program (ORP).
State Agencies Launch Medicaid Expansion Workforce Development Planning
Leaders from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services formally launched a collaborative process of developing a report to the North Carolina General Assembly on opportunities to provide workforce development services in conjunction with the state’s Medicaid expansion.
Weatherman wins Republican runoff for Lt. Governor, Boliek for State Auditor
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.
Attorney General Josh Stein Reaches $10.25 Million Settlement Over Deceptive Advertising
Attorney General Josh Stein today reached a $10.25 million multistate settlement with wireless carriers AT&T Mobility LLC, Cricket Wireless LLC, T-Mobile USA Inc., Cellco Partnership, d/b/a Verizon Wireless, and TracFone Wireless Inc., to resolve his investigation into the carriers’ deceptive and misleading advertising practices. North Carolina will receive $220,313.32 from the settlement.