Joe Mavretic’s perspective on the 2013 session of The General Assembly

by Joe Mavretic

I think the 2013 General Assembly will continue asking these questions about the lines in our budget, "Why did we begin funding this activity, why have we continued to fund this activity and is this activity accomplishing the purpose(s) that were intended?” I think that the 2013 General Assembly will continue the bickering over trivia between the House and Senate and Governor McCrory will be a successful mediator. I think Representative Julia Howard will continue to be the voice of reason on revenue issues and that Representative Nelson Dollar will be the go-to guy on health issues. IF and that's a BIG IF, Speaker Tillis steps aside after this Assembly, he will seek office at the federal level in 2014. His departure would have significant influence on relations between the House and Senate and among House leadership. Regarding trends in North Carolina, unfortunately, very little that the General Assembly does will counter the effects of central government decisions.

Joe Mavretic is former House Speaker and an NC Spin Panelist