The House Budget for FY 2017-18 includes net appropriations of $22.9 billion, which is $559 million or 2.5% above the amount enacted for FY 2016-17. The following top line highlights are taken from the House Appropriations Committee’s full “Budget Highlights” report. To view specifics of the House Education Budget, the House Health and Human Services Budget, and […]
General Assembly
Memorial Day 2017
“Let us hold it our sacred duty and our inestimable privilege on this day to decorate these graves ourselves — with a fervent prayer and a pledge of true allegiance to the cause of liberty, peace, and country for which America’s own have ever served and sacrificed. “Our pledge and our prayer this day are […]
These Reforms Are Making Me Hungry
Thanks to a new state law, this summer you’ll be able to do something you’ve never been able to do before in North Carolina: enjoy a big thick steak grilled over an open flame — at your favorite restaurant. Senate Bill 24, which unanimously passed both chambers of the General Assembly last week, now allows restaurants to […]
Saving Money Using Technology
Legislation has been introduced in the General Assembly that will save local governments money by giving them the option to post legal notices on the internet — rather than in a so-called “newspaper of record.” Cities and counties are required by law to officially notify the public when certain things are about to occur, including public meetings and hearings (e.g. a proposed change […]
Starting the 2017-2018 Session
Collegiality rules on first day of legislative session Berger, Moore re-elected to top posts unanimously; Blue, Jackson to lead Democrats Bipartisanship ruled the day as lawmakers returned Wednesday to begin the 2017 long session of the General Assembly. The collegiality on opening day marked a stark contrast with the final days of special legislative sessions held […]
Raising the Roof in Raleigh
Using a blend of both still and time-lapse photography and stunning aerial videography, Raleigh’s own Charlie Sarratt shares with us the progress of exterior renovations to the Legislative Building, the home of the North Carolina General Assembly. Click here to see more of Mr. Sarratt’s videos, including one posted two weeks ago highlighting Phase One […]
I’m Just a Bill. Yes, I’m only a bill.
With the holidays behind us, you’ve undoubtedly been asking yourself “What bills are eligible for consideration by the General Assembly during the upcoming year?” We’re glad you asked. Since Members of the state legislature are elected for two year terms, each regular session of the General Assembly also lasts for two years, called a “biennium.” The […]
House Adjourns for the Year
This morning the North Carolina House of Representatives passed a joint resolution with the North Carolina Senate to adjourn the 2015 long session. With a vote of 110-1, the House concluded their legislative work for the regular session at 4:17 in the morning of September 30, 2015. Senate Bill 721: Adjournment Resolution designates the General Assembly to […]
Crossover Deadline Looms
While it might sound like a dance move, “crossover” refers to an important date in the North Carolina General Assembly that folks interested in state government should be aware of. This year, the crossover deadline in both the North Carolina House of Representatives and Senate is on Thursday, April 30th. This is the date by which […]
Of Confirmations and Clarifications
Lewis, Apodaca File Bill to Clarify Laws on Executive Orders and Appointments When a Wake County trial court handed down its decision in the Governor’s lawsuit challenging existing appointment practices, the General Assembly announced a review of the decision and the appointments process. The General Assembly appealed the decision last week. Today the House and […]