Raleigh, N.C. — Today, the North Carolina Senate passed Senate Bill 558, “Eliminating ‘DEI’ in Public Higher Education,” to prohibit UNC System schools and community colleges from promoting discriminatory policies and practices.
All in State Government
Governor Josh Stein Highlights Need for Cold Case Unit During Sexual Assault Awareness Month
(RALEIGH) Today, Governor Josh Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and North Carolina Department of Administration Secretary Gabe Esparza joined law enforcement, local officials, and survivors at the Guilford County Family Justice Center in Greensboro to highlight April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and to bring attention to ongoing efforts to solve cold sexual assault cases.
Propsal to Require Comprehensive Review of State Agency Spending, Staffing Clears NC Senate
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, the North Carolina Senate passed Senate Bill 474, creating the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) in the State Auditor’s office and establishing a process for comprehensive review of state agency operations.
Lieutenant Governor Hunt Leads First Meeting of Child Care Task Force
RALEIGH: Today, Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt led the first meeting of the Governor’s Task Force on Child Care and Early Education. The task force is working to find solutions to the child care crisis by identifying strengths and gaps in the current system, strengthening public and private investment in child care infrastructure, and working to recruit and retain a strong child care workforce.
Attorney General Jackson Leads Bipartisan AGs Calling for Cell Phone Jamming in Correctional Facilities
RALEIGH – Today, Attorney General Jeff Jackson co-led a bipartisan coalition of 31 Attorneys General in sending a letter urging Congress to pass legislation allowing states to deploy cell phone jamming systems in jails and prisons.
Governor Stein Announces Council On Student Safety & Well-Being Council to Focus on School Safety, Cell Phones in Classrooms
Today at Moore Square Magnet Middle School, Governor Josh Stein announced his Advisory Council on Student Safety and Well-Being, co-chaired by Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch, Deputy Secretary William "Billy" Lassiter of the Department of Public Safety, and 2024 North Carolina Teacher of the Year Heather Smith.
Statement from Justice Riggs on Court of Appeals Decision
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, Justice Allison Riggs released the following statement on the Court of Appeals’ decision to disenfranchise voters:
State Treasurer Brad Briner Launches Financial Literacy Initiative Close to His Heart
State Treasurer Brad Briner sees his role as North Carolina’s chief financial officer and official banker as the ideal platform to help raise the public’s knowledge about the links between smart money management and financial success.
Jackson and Bipartisan Coalition Urge FDA to Take Action Against Counterfeit Drug Sellers
RALEIGH – Today, Attorney General Jeff Jackson and 37 bipartisan Attorneys General called on the Food and Drug Administration to stop bad actors from selling harmful counterfeit versions of popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound or illegally selling active ingredients of those drugs online.
How the government gives away millions to the liquor industry—and what you can do about it
It’s no secret the U.S. government is fraught with waste, fraud, and abuse. Still, the headlines about various boondoggles unearthed by Elon Musk’s D.O.G.E. are startling. It’s one thing to know that our taxpayer dollars could be better spent, but seeing it all brought to light is another entirely
Teacher attrition declined in 2023-24 school year, still higher than average of past several years
The 2023-24 State of the Teaching Profession report, presented to the North Carolina State Board of Education today, shows an improved attrition rate for teachers in public school districts for 2023-24 over the previous year.
Governor Stein Highlights Public Safety Priorities at Rehabilitation & Reentry Conference
(RALEIGH) Governor Stein joined the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, elected officials, law enforcement, and advocates at the North Carolina Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference to reaffirm North Carolina’s commitment to enhancing reentry processes to promote public safety, reduce recidivism, and improve outcomes.
Governor Stein Announces Special Superior Court Nomination
(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein announced the following judicial nomination:
Governor Stein Announces District Court Appointment
Governor Josh Stein announced the following judicial appointment:
State audit exposes NCInnovation’s transparency problem
On March 13, the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor released its performance audit of NCInnovation (NCI), a state-backed private nonprofit created to help commercialize research from North Carolina universities.
NC moves to rein in bureaucratic power with REINS Act and CON repeal
North Carolina is one of several states considering passage of the REINS Act, which would require that rules and regulation set by state agencies with an economic impact of $1 million or more in one year be codified by the state legislature.
New School Calendar Flexibility Proposal Filed in NC Senate
Raleigh, N.C. – Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), and Sens. Amy Galey (R-Alamance) and Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) filed a bill to provide additional school calendar flexibility to local school districts and hold school district officials accountable if they defy the school calendar law.
John Hood: Get Ready for a Budgetary Storm
RALEIGH — For universities, state governments, localities, medical providers, and other institutions receiving lots of federal money, it’s time to batten down the hatches. Storm’s a-brewing.
Governor Stein Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Workforce and Apprenticeships
(RALEIGH) Today, Governor Josh Stein announced an executive order to create a Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, chaired by Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, State Senator Eddie Settle, and NC Community Colleges President Dr. Jeffrey Cox. He also met with students at Forsyth Tech Community College and toured the Transportation Technology Center.
Majority Leader Newton Announces Retirement
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus) announced his retirement from the North Carolina Senate, effective at 7 p.m. on March 26.