Policy discussion needs to continue
The 2015 long legislative session has proven to be just that: long. Many productive ideas have been discussed, among them whether we should take advantage of low interest rates and construction costs... Read More
NC SPIN Posts by Becki Gray
Filling in budget details
Kudos to Gov. Pat McCrory and the General Assembly for moving budget talks forward and reaching an agreement on the spending number for the 2015-16 budget year. Capping spending at 3.1 percent growth... Read More
Look twice at energy mandate
While the General Assembly continues to battle through budget negotiations, there is one outstanding issue this session that affects every North Carolina resident, every business, every consumer and... Read More
Crazy budget talk. So crazy it just might work
Crazy talk. Or is it? Here we are, more than 100 legislative days into the 2015-16 session and still no budget. What gives? North Carolina is one of only 5 states in the country that hasn’t adopted... Read More
Making transparency a top priority
There are some really good things on the table as the budget conferees discuss, debate, compromise, and finalize North Carolina’s government spending for the next two years. Allocating more than... Read More
Clock ticking on RPS, solar credits. 12 reasons to freeze, cap, sunset and study
North Carolina’s RPS costs: $556 Million in increased energy costs and money taken out of economy. 3,600 jobs lost because of higher energy costs $224 Million in tax give-aways and special favors... Read More
To bond or not to bond?
On one hand, it’s a good time to borrow money. Interest rates are low, as are construction costs. North Carolina has many long-ignored needs — state buildings need repairs and updates, roads need... Read More
2013 Continuing resolution may be just the thing for 2015
The US Supreme Court issued an important ruling affecting same sex marriage in NC. Governor McCrory voiced concerned about tax change proposals. The House and Senate haggled over a budget compromise... Read More
Freezing, studying renewable mandate makes sense
A mandate that 12.5 percent of North Carolina’s energy eventually would come from renewable sources or energy efficiency was a bad idea back in 2007, when the idea was included in Senate Bill... Read More
Medicaid, competition and accountability
All kinds of deals are made during the legislative session. Whether a distillery can sell unlimited amounts or only one bottle to people taking tours; whether vehicle registration fees should increase... Read More
