Government
State House speaker warns against GOP overreach
May 7, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
State House Speaker Thom Tillis wrote in a Facebook post that the Republican party must be careful not to overreach the mandate from voters it has with its supermajority power. He warned the GOP of making the same mistakes that led to Democrats losing their majority in 2010.
Appointments create leadership opportunities in Charlotte
May 6, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
President Obama's appointments of Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx and U.S. Democratic Rep. Mel Watt to national posts leaves a leadership vacuum in the state's largest city -- and a rare opportunity for politicians to take more prominent roles.
McCrory's former employer in the spotlight
May 6, 2013
(Associated Press)
Gov. Pat McCrory's former employer, Moore & Van Allen business law firm, has found itself in the spotlight this year after negotiating lucrative incentives for insurer MetLife and for helping ferry campaign donations to state politicians from the video gambling industry.
House preliminarily OKs income limits to pre-K program
May 3, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
The state House gave the preliminary OK to a measure that would impose stricter income limits on families trying to get their children into state-supported pre-kindergarten program. About 25,000 children are currently enrolled.
Transportation proposal worries rural representatives
May 2, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
A proposal by Gov. Pat McCrory to revamp the way transportation money is distributed around the state has some rural lawmakers worried their projects might suffer. McCrory wants to direct more money to projects that prove they will reduce congestion and help economic development.
House committee OKs bill to punish gender-based abortions
May 2, 2013
(Associated Press)
A state House committee approved a bill that would punish doctors with stiff fines if they perform abortions where a primary motive for the procedure is gender.
Charlotte Republican eyes House speaker post
May 1, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte state Rep. Ruth Samuelson has emerged as a leading candidate to become House speaker once Thom Tillis steps down at the end of his term. Samuelson has fundraising prowess and has a reputation as a mediator.
Legislator says House speaker's Senate ambitions have hampered body
May 1, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
A House Republican posted a video online saying he believes Republican state House Speaker Thom Tillis has let ambitions to run against Democrat Kay Hagan for the U.S. Senate temper his actions in the body.
Bill would make it more difficult to qualify for pre-K
May 1, 2013
(Associated Press)
A bill that would make it tougher to qualify for state-subsidized pre-kindergarten programs passed the House Health and Human Services Committe. Eligibility is now capped at 75% of the poverty rate, but the bill would change that to the poverty rate.
Sales tax breaks take $3.1B yearly bite
April 30, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
The 102 sales-tax breaks in North Carolina add up to $3.1 billion yearly, with manufacturers, hospitals, air carriers and even NASCAR racing teams feeling the benefits. The sales tax is at the center of debate over tax reform in the legislature.
