Every budget is chock-full of details that don’t get much scrutiny from the residents and taxpayers that feel the effects, and this year’s $21.3 billion budget by Republican lawmakers is no... Read More
Yesterday I quoted at length from Senator Jeff Jackson’s speech on the legislature’s budget process. Today we learn what a prophet “the new kid” was. Jackson said on the floor last week... Read More
The most conspicuous failure in this year’s largely unsuccessful legislative session was the adjournment—or more correctly congressional-style recess— last weekend without the passage of a bill... Read More
Those calling for an end to partisan primaries point out that primary voters are typically ideologically driven and have a disproportionate influence on candidate nominations. Yet they overlook one... Read More
by John Frank, News and Observer, August 6, 2014. North Carolina Budget Director Art Pope, a prominent conservative donor with broad influence and loud critics, is leaving the top post in Gov. Pat... Read More
The latest Civitas Institute Poll shows that House Speaker Thom Tillis has edged back into the lead in a head-to-head matchup with Sen. Kay Hagan in the U.S. Senate race. When voters were asked about... Read More
Whenever Medicaid cuts filter down from the legislature in Raleigh to small-town and rural hospitals such as Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton, the pain is acutely felt. Although they... Read More
A year ago I didn’t know anything about food deserts and food insecurity. I’ve learned, thanks to my dedicated young friends at the Jamie Kirk Hahn Foundation and at the Interfaith Food Shuttle... Read More
Editorial by Rocky Mount Telegram, August 5, 2014. Give Gov. Pat McCrory credit for stepping up as North Carolina legislators packed their bags to go home. Granted, the governor’s decision to order... Read More
