Budget pizza
The state budget process, which is about to begin in earnest, is like making a pizza. Start with the dough. That's the revenue – about $21 billion in this fiscal year. It's expected to be at least a... Read More
NC Spin Articles
Taxes about to drop again
Because of tough decisions made by the General Assembly and Gov. Pat McCrory, North Carolina’s payroll tax is expected to drop by about $280 million in 2016 and as much as $700 million by 2017. What... Read More
An imperfect but wise course on coal ash disposal
Editorial by Burlington Times-News, May 3, 2015. Let’s start by saying the world isn’t perfect. Most are aware of this. But many still refuse to acknowledge it anyway. So count us among those who... Read More
Starting point on road funds
Republican lawmakers in Raleigh have spent the past several months grappling with two conflicting desires: 1) addressing the demonstrable need to repair and expand North Carolina’s system of roads... Read More
The out of step debate on the death penalty
One emerging theme of this General Assembly session as it reached its midpoint with a flurry of questionable decision making early Thursday morning before the crossover deadline is the extent to which... Read More
Who will challenge Burr?
North Carolina Democrats are starting to get a bit nervous about the lack of a US Senate candidate. 2016 could be a good year for Democrats, the first in awhile. The Republican-led legislature and... Read More
Volvo's wakeup call
Editorial by Greenville Daily Reflector, May 2, 2015. When Gov. Pat McCrory came to Greenville in October to announce the expansion of an existing pharmaceutical manufacturing plant — to generate... Read More
Lawmakers should have said 'no' more often
Editorial by Greensboro Daily News, May 3, 2015. Several hours into its marathon floor session Wednesday and early Thursday, state representatives debated a bill that would overhaul how teachers are... Read More
At midterm, NC Gov. Pat McCrory finessing re-election agenda
Last September, Gov. Pat McCrory started talking about his grand vision to remake drab downtown Raleigh government buildings into vibrant swaths of apartments, stores and offices, calling it Project... Read More
Elon Poll: NC frowns on 'religious freedom,' favor Clinton over Bush
Executive summary of Elon University Poll, published April 29, 2015. Nearly two-thirds of North Carolina registered voters don’t think businesses should be able to refuse services to people who are... Read More
