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North Carolina Budget Votes Begin, But Veto Is On Horizon
A state budget agreement drawn up by North Carolina Republicans will now be debated and voted on by legislators before heading to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for his likely veto.
The House scheduled the first of its two required votes on the proposal for Wednesday. The Senate will probably begin voting on Thursday.
The measure is the product of Senate and House negotiations and contains little that Cooper demanded in a final plan. The governor says that's because GOP legislators aren't serious about considering his proposals to expand Medicaid and block corporate tax cuts among others. Republicans argue Cooper never gave them specific counteroffers.
North Carolina Bill Seeks To Rehire Retired Teachers
A bill aimed at addressing North Carolina's teacher shortages by rehiring retired educators is close to final passage at the General Assembly.
The House overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan legislation on Tuesday and returned the measure to the Senate, which passed a different version earlier. One more affirmative Senate vote would send the bill to Gov. Roy Cooper's desk for his signature.
Under the bill, retired teachers could work in high-need schools and earn a salary similar to entry-level teachers without jeopardizing their retirement benefits. Those teaching special education, science, technology, engineering or math would earn a little more.
NC Wind Energy Future Bill Leaves Out Ban Or Moratorium
Legislation designed to prevent wind turbine projects from interfering with North Carolina military training operations — threatening the future of installations — no longer contains outright bans on their construction.
The Senate bill initially demanded a permanent prohibition of wind farms across large sections of the state labeled "high-risk" for aviation training. The full Senate later agreed to a three-year moratorium.
There's no moratorium or prohibition in the latest version approved Tuesday by the House energy committee. Now it simply directs state regulators who decide on permits to get more information from military commanders.
Trump Endorses North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis
President Donald Trump has endorsed North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, handing a significant political asset to the first-term Republican senator seeking reelection next year in the closely divided state.
Trump tweeted late Tuesday his "Full and Total Endorsement" to Tillis as he already faces a primary challenger. Garland Tucker has made Tillis' initial opposition to Trump's emergency declaration for a U.S.-Mexico border wall a campaign issue. Tillis later reversed himself and supported the declaration.
Democrats also are lining up to take on Tillis, including three current or former state legislators and a county commissioner.
North Carolina Coastal Town Ponders Limit On Rental Events
Another North Carolina coastal town is involved in controversy as it considers limits on the number of weddings and reunions at rental homes.
The Virginian-Pilot reports the Southern Shores town council proposes to limit houses to three special events per year and require a permit.
Under the proposal, owners would have to create a site plan, a traffic plan and get permission from the state alcohol commission if adult beverages are served. Officials could also find out who is running the party and where it is.
Realtors and builders have objected to the proposal.
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