RALEIGH, N.C. — State agencies and lawmakers released updates this week on flood resilience funding, coastal land management, unemployment rates, campaign finance technology, criminal law legislation and correctional facility operations. Several items may warrant follow-up coverage because of their connection to infrastructure spending, election transparency, public safety, environmental policy and state agency oversight.
Several recent state government items touch on public health, community college leadership, workforce training, domestic violence prevention, western North Carolina infrastructure, court security, farmland preservation and tourism spending.
Prison closure, community college leadership and workforce funding lead state government briefs
Several recent state government and legislative items touch on coastal conservation, environmental permitting, fisheries policy, law enforcement recognition, state tax enforcement, workforce training and possible upcoming action on the state budget and constitutional amendments.
Several recent state government items touch on public safety, tax enforcement, consumer protection, public health, agriculture, coastal permitting and workforce policy.
As a turkey and hog farmer in Sampson County and the proud husband of Tara, who owns and operates our local independent pharmacy, I see firsthand the challenges our rural communities face every day. For too many families across North Carolina, the rising cost of prescription drugs is not just a line item on a budget—it's the difference between putting food on the table or filling a life-saving prescription. That's why the latest report from the Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance (PRA), "The State of U.S. Drug Pricing: Unaffordable," hits home for me and countless others in our state.
As the owner of assisted living communities here in North Carolina, I am proud of the work that we do to help our seniors live healthy, fulfilling lives. Part of this work involves coordinating with other local healthcare providers to ensure our residents receive the care they need to thrive.
Affordability challenges and the skyrocketing cost of living are burdens felt by millions of Americans. Nowadays, Americans are opting to relocate to urban areas that offer access to more affordable neighborhoods, thriving public schools, and extensive infrastructure. According to a January 27 article in the News & Observer, North Carolina added nearly 150,000 new residents last year – behind only Texas and Florida. Are we prepared for such an influx?
As a retail association representing thousands of small business owners across North Carolina, we understand firsthand that what truly drives local prosperity are well-paying jobs, everyday purchases at hometown stores and long-term investments in communities that set them up for future economic growth.That’s why the recent $37 million investment in the manufacturing facility in Wilson, North Carolina, by Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) is so important—not just for Wilson, but for retailers and consumers across our state.
North Carolina’s non-profit hospitals occupy a privileged position in the state’s healthcare system. In exchange for their charitable mission, they receive sweeping tax advantages including exemptions from federal, state, and local taxes, access to tax-exempt financing, and eligibility for tax-deductible donations. These benefits are not symbolic. They represent a substantial public investment.
North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the United States. People from all over are attracted to our high-quality of life, lower cost of living, booming job market, and diverse geography. What’s not to love? Unfortunately, several policymakers fail to support initiatives that back our growing population, namely, private investment in the housing market.
As a state senator representing the hardworking people of North Carolina, I've always believed in the value of college sports. It’s brought pride to our communities, boosted our economy, and enriched the educational experience at our universities. From the roar of the crowd at Appalachian State when they slay a football giant to the excitement of basketball in Wilmington, athletics have been a unifying force.
