Government
Gaston toll road receives another blow in Raleigh
May 13, 2013
(The Gaston Gazette)
After an unexpected victory last week, the Garden Parkway -- a proposed toll road in Gaston County -- received a blow this week after it was removed from a transportation bill in the state House.
Analysis: Plan would raise taxes for many
May 10, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
An initial analysis by legislative researchers shows more North Carolina households -- mainly lower-income ones -- would get a tax hike instead of a promised tax cut under a plan proposed by Senate Republicans this week that would overhaul the state's tax code.
N.C. House passes bill requiring parental consent for birth control, other treatments
May 9, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
The state House approved a bill that would require minors to gain parental consent before obtaining birth control or receiving treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse or mental illness. Another measure passed would ban abortions based on gender.
Senate Republicans unveil tax reform plan
May 8, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Senate Republicans debuted a major tax reform plan that would cut the personal and corporate income tax rates but make up for it by raising the tax on grocery sales and implementing taxes on prescription drugs and services such as hair cuts and auto repairs.
McCrory wants to be able to fire state workers more easily
May 8, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Gov. Pat McCrory has proposed sweeping changes to the State Personnel Act, hoping to make it easier to fire -- and reward -- workers. The state employees' association opposes the changes, saying it will increase the likelihood of dismissals for political reasons.
Mecklenburg commissioners fire county manager
May 8, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Mecklenburg County commissioners fired manager Harry Jones after months of rising tension. Jones was scrutinized for a botched property revaluation and problems within the social services department.
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.
