Page 3 - 2023 Session News Today

North Carolinas $30-billion budget cleared the state House early Friday and now awaits a final Senate vote before heading to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who says he isnt sure if hell sign it. The plan includes one of his top priorities: Medicaid expansion.

A provision in the state budget would give immense new powers to a legislative committee. Republican lawmakers say they need it to hold the executive branch accountable. Democrats say GOP leaders are giving themselves the power to enact political retribution.

North Carolinas GOP-backed $30-billion budget cleared its final legislative hurdle Friday. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper says hell let the spending plan become law because it allows the expansion of Medicaid.

North Carolinas new state budget was made public Wednesday, less than 24 hours before lawmakers are expected to vote on the $30 billion spending plan.

North Carolina Rep. Terence Everitt said he was on the House floor waiting to vote on the annual state budget when someone boxed up his belongings from his old office. He says the move was an act of retaliation by House Speaker Tim Moore.

North Carolinas $30-billion budget passed initial legislative votes Thursday -- the first approvals following months of negotiations among GOP leaders. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper says he isnt sure yet if hed veto the plan, which includes one of his top priorities: Medicaid expansion.

Language in a budget draft would let lawmakers decide whether their records are public. Budget writers say that language was added by legislative leaders.

North Carolinas new state budget was made public Wednesday, less than 24 hours before lawmakers are expected to vote on the $30 billion spending plan.

As lawmakers debate whether to legalize more casinos in North Carolina, and as local officials lay groundwork with developers, a question remains: Who knew what, and when?

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 -- Election to public office is not a license or privilege for indulgence. It is a civic trust to act - in an open and transparent way - in the public interest. End the secret legislative sessions now.