Unfunded mandates
I’m old enough to remember when Republicans pummeled Democrats for unfunded mandates. Unfunded mandates are regulations or requirements passed by legislatures or Congress without the money to pay... Read More
NC Spin Articles
Lawmakers could use a civics lesson
by Paul O'Connor, Capitol Press Association, published in Rocky Mount Telegram, January 18, 2017. The separation of powers principle should not be so vexing to state leaders. It was, after all... Read More
Now walk the walk
Editorial by Winston-Salem Journal, January 18, 2017. GOP leaders had good things to say last week in Raleigh about effective unity and working with Roy Cooper, the new Democratic governor. They’ve... Read More
Build a new plan, then replace Obamacare
Editorial by Fayetteville Observer, January 19, 2017. Richard Hudson was reassuring. Nobody is going to lose insurance coverage as Congress repeals the Affordable Care Act and replaces it with... Read More
Coverage for all?
Editorial by Greensboro News-Record, January 19, 2017. A federal judge’s order to temporarily block Gov. Roy Cooper’s bid to expand Medicaid coverage in North Carolina might effectively kill the... Read More
Can lawmakers, governor find common ground?
Opening day of the 2017-18 General Assembly was filled with warm greetings, friendly exchanges, and promises of compromise. After a short break, lawmakers have returned to get down to the real work of... Read More
Majority doesn't rule in NC politics
by Paul O'Connor, Capitol Press Association, published in Asheville Citizen-Times, January 5, 2017. Lawyers know never to ask a question for which they don’t know the answer. Likewise, legislative... Read More
Cooper names deficit devotee Perusse Budget Director
Gov. Roy Cooper’s recently announced appointments to key positions in his administration continue to highlight his escape from reality. He named Charlie Perusse as state budget director. Yes, that... Read More
Moderates needed in state government
Editorial by Burlington Times-News, January 3, 2017. The people who assess the best places in America to do business have been unanimous about this for years now: North Carolina is near the top among... Read More
New governor may spend as much time in court as when Attorney General
Editorial by Fayetteville Observer, January 3, 2017. It was fitting that Roy Cooper's oath of office was administered by Mark Martin, chief justice of the N.C. Supreme Court. Our new governor may... Read More
