Raleigh, NC — Today, the North Carolina House of Representatives approved a proposal to invest an additional $700 million to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts across Western North Carolina.
All in State Government
Senator Berger's Proposal Putting Strict Guardrails on Guilford Tax Referendum Approved Unanimously
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, the North Carolina Senate approved a new version of House Bill 305, which puts strict guardrails on the use of a proposed one-quarter of one cent sales tax and supports municipalities that continue to keep their property taxes low.
Commissioner Luke Farley Applauds Passage of House Bill 559
RALEIGH, NC – This week, North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley applauded the NC General Assembly for passing House Bill 559 — the "Make Elevators Great Again" (MEGA) Act — a key step toward eliminating the state’s elevator inspection backlog and enhancing public safety.
John Hood: AI Will Aid Transit, Not Transform It
RALEIGH — Artificial intelligence is coming to public transit. In fact, in some functions and places, it’s already here. But can AI elevate transit into a major mode of daily travel in North Carolina cities and towns? Sorry, the answer remains no.
Governor Josh Stein Leads National Effort to Protect Critical Food and Nutrition Program
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein led a group of 23 Governors to urge Congressional leadership to support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that puts food on the table for millions of people across the nation.
Preliminary DMV Audit Findings Highlight Need for Additional Staffing and Workforce Flexibility
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor is releasing preliminary information from its ongoing audit of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), including how DMV staffing and personnel flexibility challenges are affecting customer experiences across the state.
John Hood: Lawmakers Aren’t Deadlocked on Regulation
RALEIGH — Fiscal negotiations between the North Carolina House and Senate appear to have stalled out for now, with the two chambers too far apart on the timing and magnitude of future tax cuts to strike a budget deal before the July 1 start of the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Governor Stein Takes Action on Four Bills
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Josh Stein vetoed three bills: Senate Bill 50, Senate Bill 153, and House Bill 318. He also signed House Bill 126 into law.
NC House Speaker Reacts to Gov. Stein's Veto of House Bill 318, "The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement
Act"Raleigh, NC — Today, Governor Stein vetoed House Bill 318, "The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act."
Senator Berger Statements on Gov. Stein's Vetoes
Raleigh, N.C. – Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) released the following statement after Gov. Josh Stein vetoed the "North Carolina Border Protection Act,"
North Carolina Wildlife Federation Applauds North Carolina Senate for Advancing Critical Legislation to Protect Our Juvenile Fish
North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) commends the North Carolina Senate for its decisive action in advancing House Bill 442. In its current form, this landmark legislation would prohibit large-scale, inshore bottom shrimp trawling in North Carolina's juvenile fish nurseries. The Senate passed the legislation with a resounding 39-2 vote. The organization now urges the North Carolina House of Representatives to swiftly pass this critical protection measure.
Senate Approves 'Power Bill Reduction Act'
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, the North Carolina Senate gave final approval to a bill that will save all North Carolinians billions of dollars by removing arbitrary carbon reduction goals and prioritizing reliable, least-cost energy sources.
John Hood: Make Riots a Political Dead End
RALEIGH — Nonviolent protests have a venerable history in North Carolina and beyond. Violent protests — that is, riots — have an ignominious one. A broadly recognized distinction? You might think so. Alas, you’d be wrong.
Governor Stein Announces Boards and Commissions Appointments
Governor Stein has appointed the following to the North Carolina Awards Committee:
Senate Committee to Consider Ban on Synthetic Hemp Products, Regulations for the Sale of Delta-9 Products and THC Drinks
Tomorrow, the N.C. Senate Health Care Committee will meet to consider a bill banning synthetic hemp products in the state and regulating the sale of delta-9 products, including drinks and gummies.
Second Round of Hurricane Relief Cashflow Loans
(Raleigh, N.C.) — The Department of State Treasurer (DST) has notified local governments of their second round of interest-free loans for Hurricane Helene relief. This round of Cashflow Loans uses the remaining $34.4M provided by the legislature in the Disaster Recovery Act of 2024.
John Hood: Carolina Congressmen Tell Off Constituents
RALEIGH — Ever written your congressman? I have. I always get a prompt and cordial, if bland, reply. Back in 1988, I actually spent a few weeks as a Capitol Hill intern reading and drafting responses to constituent correspondence. I’ve never written more boring prose (although longtime readers of mine might well disagree).
Governor Stein Takes Action on Several Bills (video included)
Governor Josh Stein signed six bills into law today, including measures to modernize state investments, support veteran law enforcement officers, and expand access to social work services. From improving pension investment flexibility to easing licensure for out-of-state social workers, these new laws aim to strengthen public services and workforce capacity across North Carolina.
Governor Stein Urges Senate Leaders to Support NC Economy By Protecting IRA Tax Credits
(RALEIGH) Today Governor Stein urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Finance Committe Chair Mike Crapo, and North Carolina Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis to reconsider the U.S. House of Representative’s efforts to end the energy and manufacturing tax credits that the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 created. These tax credits have helped North Carolina emerge as a top state for clean energy business investment.
NC Senate Passes Proposals Supporting Trump Admin's Illegal Immigration Policies
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, North Carolina Senate Republicans voted to support two immigration enforcement bills, sending one to Gov. Josh Stein for his consideration and returning the second to the House for approval.