On March 13, the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor released its performance audit of NCInnovation (NCI), a state-backed private nonprofit created to help commercialize research from North Carolina universities.
All in Politics
NC moves to rein in bureaucratic power with REINS Act and CON repeal
North Carolina is one of several states considering passage of the REINS Act, which would require that rules and regulation set by state agencies with an economic impact of $1 million or more in one year be codified by the state legislature.
New School Calendar Flexibility Proposal Filed in NC Senate
Raleigh, N.C. – Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), and Sens. Amy Galey (R-Alamance) and Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) filed a bill to provide additional school calendar flexibility to local school districts and hold school district officials accountable if they defy the school calendar law.
Op-Ed: This TikTok Feature Actually Makes You Smarter
For years, critics have accused tech of "rotting young minds." But in an unexpected twist, TikTok has quietly rolled out a feature that's doing the opposite: making kids smarter.
John Hood: Get Ready for a Budgetary Storm
RALEIGH — For universities, state governments, localities, medical providers, and other institutions receiving lots of federal money, it’s time to batten down the hatches. Storm’s a-brewing.
Governor Stein Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Workforce and Apprenticeships
(RALEIGH) Today, Governor Josh Stein announced an executive order to create a Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, chaired by Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, State Senator Eddie Settle, and NC Community Colleges President Dr. Jeffrey Cox. He also met with students at Forsyth Tech Community College and toured the Transportation Technology Center.
Majority Leader Newton Announces Retirement
Raleigh, N.C. – Today, Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus) announced his retirement from the North Carolina Senate, effective at 7 p.m. on March 26.
Governor Stein Proclaims March 25th as North Carolina Equal Pay Day, Celebrates Women's History Month
(RALEIGH) Today, Governor Josh Stein proclaimed March 25 as North Carolina Equal Pay Day to highlight ongoing gender pay disparities and to encourage government, business, and nonprofit sectors to close the wage gap for all women.
Governor Stein Announces District Court Appointments
Governor Josh Stein announced the following judicial appointments:
What They’re Saying: Officials, Experts Praise Governor Stein’s Balanced Pro-Family Budget
(RALEIGH) On Wednesday, Governor Stein released his 2025-2027 recommended budget, proposing robust investments in North Carolina’s economy, families, education, workforce, health care, and public safety. Elected officials and industry experts are highlighting key components of Governor Stein’s budget priorities. Read their perspectives below.
Governor Josh Stein Launches New Website for Displaced Federal Public Servants
(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein launched a new website to welcome talented and dedicated people to apply to work for the state of North Carolina. This website encourages people who were displaced due to Hurricane Helene or recent federal cuts to consider coming to work with the state of North Carolina. It also provides resources for service members, their spouses, and veterans to apply for positions in North Carolina state government.
NC House Huddle: Week of March 24
NC House Huddle newsletter for the week of March 24
Sen. Berger Files The DAVE Act, to Root Out Government Waste and Increase Efficiency
Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) filed a bill creating the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency in the State Auditor’s office. Further, the bill requires the DAVE to review every state agency’s spending and staffing levels to get a complete picture of how they’re utilizing taxpayer funds and determine if the agency should continue to exist.
Senator Michael Lazzara: Rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug
I have countless Veterans in my district and am a Veteran myself and have long championed policies that promote economic growth, public safety, and personal freedom. That’s why I side with President Trump on rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug—a move that would not only facilitate research opportunities in the industry but also establish better regulatory frameworks for businesses and consumers alike.
Reporting Confirms What We Knew: DEI Bills Just Political Posturing
New reporting from The Assembly confirms what many of us already knew to be true: DEI bills from the General Assembly this Session are simply performative political posturing. This legislation shows Republican leaders are taking the lead from Washington instead of seeking policy changes that would actually improve the lives of working North Carolinians.
John Hood: Pacesetting States Offer Growth Lessons
RALEIGH — North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. If present trends continue, we’ll surpass Georgia and become the eighth-most-populous state by 2030. There’s even an outside chance we’ll overtake seventh-ranked Ohio.
Constitutional Carry Bill Clears NC Senate
Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina Senate passed Senate Bill 50, “Freedom to Carry NC,” to allow for the permitless carry of a concealed handgun in North Carolina.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson Defends GI Bill for Veterans
RALEIGH – Attorney General Jeff Jackson and 51 other Republican and Democratic Attorneys General asked an appeals court to protect veterans’ rights to receive the full possible educational benefits available to them after they serve in the armed forces.
House Passes Fourth Round of Disaster Relief
Raleigh, NC – Legislators from the North Carolina House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the fourth round of hurricane relief measures.
North Carolina's January Employment Figures Released
Raleigh, N.C. - The state’s seasonally adjusted January 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from December’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.0 percent.