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GOP's Final Budget Gets Initial Approval From Legislature
North Carolina legislators have given initial approval to a final budget agreement between Republican leaders. It fails to address big-picture items that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has repeatedly asked to be put in or left out.
The House and Senate voted separately Wednesday to approve a spending plan for the next two years. GOP leaders are highlighting large amounts spent on school construction and state employee salary raises. There are also tax cuts for businesses and individuals.
Cooper has insisted that Medicaid be expanded and doesn't support corporate tax breaks.
Final budget votes are expected Thursday. Cooper is likely to veto the measure.
Governor Signs Bill Allowing Game-Day Beer And Wine Sales At Universities
Governor Roy Cooper has signed a House bill allowing state universities to sell beer and wine on game days.
The Winston-Salem Journal reports the law goes into effect immediately.
The final legislation includes a Senate amendment that allows Winston-Salem State University to sell alcohol in selected areas even though its football games are played at Bowman Gray Stadium, which is owned by the city of Winston-Salem.
It's unclear when beer and wine sales for WSSU games will be established.
North Carolina Birthing Centers Regulated In House Bill
Free-standing birthing centers would be licensed in North Carolina and a new state commission would set center standards to receive and retain licenses in legislation advancing at the General Assembly.
The measure approved by the House Finance Committee on Wednesday came in response to the deaths of three infants over several months at a birthing center in Cary that closed last year. Bill sponsor Rep. Greg Murphy of Greenville says the Department of Health and Human Services had no legal authority to inspect such centers.
House Approves Lawsuit Option Against 'Sanctuary' Policies
The North Carolina House wants to give individuals the ability to sue North Carolina local governments that enact policies blocking enforcement of federal immigration laws or preventing their officers from gathering information about someone's immigration status.
State law already prohibits "sanctuary" policies, but the measure approved Wednesday by the chamber goes further by allowing anyone to file a lawsuit to halt such a policy should a city or county initiate one.
Funding For Local Arts-Related Projects Not In Proposed State Budget
Some major renovation projects at local universities are on hold for now. Funding for improvements at UNCSA's Stevens Center is among those affected by political crossfire over the state budget.
The proposed legislation would have earmarked more than $42 million for upgrades at the Stevens Center. It's a premier performance venue in Winston-Salem, owned by the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Chancellor Lindsay Bierman says he's cautiously optimistic that the money will reappear in the not so distant future.
Two other arts-related projects are also impacted by changes to the proposed state budget. Renovations for the Hauser building at Winston-Salem State University and Wey Hall at Appalachian State were both included in the initial funding bill.
Former YMCA Counselor Pleads Guilty To Sex Abuse Charges
A former Kernersville YMCA counselor and volunteer firefighter in North Carolina has entered a guilty plea after prosecutors say he used his position to sexually assault young boys between 1991 and 2001.
The Winston-Salem Journal reports a Forsyth County judge consolidated most of the charges against Michael Todd Pegram on Wednesday into consecutive sentences totaling up to 30 years in prison.
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