http://www.indyweek.com/news/archives/2014/10/15/wednesday-morning-reading-ncs-sharp-right-turn-alienating-some-republicansr

Quote :

"News out of North Carolina—usually embarrassing news—seems to be a daily feature at The New York Times. "It's Never Boring in North Carolina," an op-ed published yesterday, highlights the enormous outside money that is being poured in to the U.S. Senate race and the draconian stances taken by social conservatives. The GOP's punitive and persistent policies against the poor, women and gays and lesbians could tilt the election. People are fed up. Yesterday evening, the NYT's editor's blog notes how ISIS has become the new wedge issue in the state. The piece criticizes Tillis' hypocritical ad criticizing Hagan for skipping an ISIS hearing in Congress to attend a fundraiser (hilarious, considering Tillis missed votes in the legislature to romp around the state for his campaign). "What's really going on here is an attempt by Mr. Tillis to change the subject from Ms. Hagan's effective attacks on him for the cuts he has made to education and women's health services," the piece reads, "and his leadership in trying to suppress the votes of minorities and other Democratic-leaning voters through a very strict voter ID measure.""

10/15/2014 12:45:56 PM

Quote :

"The Fiscal Research Division estimates that General Fund revenues through October are $148.6 million below the consensus revenue target . The revenue targets are monthly projections based on the fiscal year consensus forecast and previous monthly collection trends."

http://www.osc.nc.gov/pdfs/Oct_2014_Gen_Fund_Monthly_Report.pdf


Lettuce pray for an epic holiday retail season to catch the state back up.

11/14/2014 11:56:44 AM

I guess this can go here:

http://www.wral.com/school-board-begins-sifting-through-ap-u-s-history-dispute/14234107/

12/2/2014 2:35:31 PM

^ i feel like I'm in bizarro world when the idea that AP US History classes aren't "patriotic" enough gains any traction.

The fact that he contends that "white supremacy" was ever a thing makes me think he has more nefarious motives.

12/3/2014 1:38:53 PM

http://www.wral.com/denr-chief-to-lead-nc-commerce-department/14237380/http://

12/3/2014 5:30:23 PM

Bad link bro

12/5/2014 7:16:05 AM

Now at $190 Million below revenue targets.

12/14/2014 5:25:38 PM

Sooooo The UNC system can now expect another $190 million budget cut?

12/14/2014 8:39:43 PM

Just to put that cartoon into context, the $190 Million is only a projected shortfall at this time. We're only five months into the current fiscal year.

12/15/2014 4:56:22 PM

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/nc-mom-calls-live-c-span-show-scold-arguing-sons-article-1.2047424

12/17/2014 7:59:54 AM

I saw that. It was hilarious and definitely sounds like something you'd hear in North Carolina.

12/17/2014 8:32:44 AM

I haven't seen any news reports yet, so I hope I'm reading this correctly:

http://www.osc.nc.gov/pdfs/Dec_2014_Gen_Fund_Monthly_Report.pdf

Quote :

"For fiscal year 2015, when compared to the prior year through December 31, actual net tax and non-tax revenues decreased by $475.5 million, or 4.7%. Tax revenues through December 2014 decreased by $468 million, or 4.8%, and non-tax revenues decreased by $7.5 million, or 1.7%. The Fiscal Research Division estimates that General Fund revenue through December is $199.2 million below the consensus revenue target."

Even with the Christmas shopping season, we are now $199 million behind our revenue targets. A slow down in the rate of increase, but the hope was that our new sales-tax heavy tax reform would make up a lot of ground during the retail season. Unless we all get horrible surprises on income taxes (a possibility, I haven't started mine yet) there is a good chance we are gonna end this year in a deficit. To put that number in perspective I think the teacher increase pay plan cost about $250-$300 million.

The "revenue-neutral" tax reform has set us up for a structural deficit. If the general assembly doesn't address this from the very beginning of this long session, its just gonna get uglier and uglier.

1/13/2015 9:50:56 AM

so what you're saying is...McCrory deserves a raise?

1/13/2015 11:08:31 AM

this didn't get any interest in chit-chat
http://www.indyweek.com/news/archives/2015/01/22/the-red-menace-civitas-unveils-vast-left-wing-activist-network

links provided in the story

Quote :

"Wait, is this the Onion? No just a press release by the Civitas Institute, a conservative think tank brought to you by the Pope Foundation empire. Civitas dropped a bombshell today, announcing today that it has launched a new website Mapping the Left, which will for the "first time, expose the full extent of a vast, shadowy network of left-wing activist groups." [Emphasis mine.] Cue the soundtrack from Psycho! The AARP is part of the left-wing network? Do you mean my grandmother could be a Commie? Yes, the left is so shadowy, it's like film noir on steroids. It's hard to find MDC and the Center for Responsible Lending, which have shrouded themselves with storefront offices emblazoned with their logs, surreptitiously located on Main Street in Durham. Oh, Binkley Baptist Church, so clever you are, hidden near University Mall in Chapel Hill. The American Postal Workers Union, disguised as letter carriers. Wait—they are letter carriers. If you peruse the site, which from a technical and user interaction perspective, is nearly impenetrable, you'll find the usual targets: groups advocating for a more equitable, just and nonviolent society. What the Coalition Against Sexual Assault is doing on here, I don''t know. Is opposing rape a liberal issue? “For too long, radical and well-funded activist groups have been able to operate in the state without the level of scrutiny that is routinely applied to the Right,” said Civitas Elections Policy Analyst Susan Myrick in the press release. “The Mapping the Left project not only provides that scrutiny, but also puts to rest the misguided notion that there is a vast right-wing conspiracy in North Carolina. In fact, it is the Left, through its complex web of funding and coordination, that is exerting massive power and influence throughout the state.” The Civitas Institute promises to add "new revelations" to the site throughout the spring to let people know about the "alarming amount of power" the left has in the "media, state politics, and government." Yes, the left has so much power that conservatives have gained control of the legislature, the governor's office and the N.C. Supreme Court, as well as many state agencies—Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, Department of Environment and Natural Sciences. In the spirit of transparency, here is a flowchart the INDY published in 2011 showing the reach of Art Pope. It's definitely time to update it, because his influence has never been greater. And remember in 2013 when Civitas published personal (though public) information about Moral Monday protesters who had been arrested? Here is our post showing who's who at Civitas—before the contact page was scrubbed. By the way, a year and a half later, that page remains scrubbed, with only Francis X. De Luca listed. "

1/22/2015 2:39:52 PM

And the primary source material if you're actually interested in not getting your news filtered through Indyweek.

http://www.nccivitas.org/2015/mapping-left-introduction/

1/22/2015 4:12:10 PM

^thanks for the link (although that news is filtered through civitas).

I have to think that many of the organzations they listed aren't "left-wing" oranziations. State Employees Association – North Carolina? People of Faith Against the Death Penalty? League of Women Voters in Charlotte? Disability Rights NC? State of North Carolina?

1/22/2015 4:35:50 PM

what a hilarious bunch of out-of-touch/overly paranoid people

1/22/2015 5:23:09 PM

Looks like someone gobbled up the opposing site:
http://www.mappingtheright.com

1/22/2015 10:06:53 PM

If you're going to cite Obama and his policies as the reason for the low national unemployment rate, then you might as well cite our NC GOP for having the lowest state unemployment in a long time.

1/28/2015 12:26:09 PM

https://www.google.com/search?q=nc+unemployment+rate

I guess mcrory can claim some credit for not screwing that up, but the trend for nc has been following the national trend. The national rate is still lower than nc by a hair.

1/28/2015 1:48:09 PM

I don't know if this should go in the big GOP thread or here, but Tom tills is coming through like a gangbuster so far

TELLING FOOD WORKERS TO WASH HANDS AFTER SHITTING IS GOVERNMENT OVERREACH

http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/231595-gop-senator-government-should-not-require-food-workers-to-wash-their-hands

2/4/2015 9:00:26 AM

2/6/2015 10:56:49 AM

So we can count that sign as support for Tillis's proposal right?

I thought he had pulled shit like this in the past: http://civitasreview.com/miscellaneous/local-business-fires-back-at-the-president/

2/6/2015 11:12:07 AM

Yeah, they often have right-wing messages, which are sometime ridiculous posted on their board.

I think one time they had something like "Let's let Wal-Mart Run the Government!"

Apparently he ran for office at some point.

It's disappointing, I really used to enjoy Snoopy's every few weeks.

[Edited on February 6, 2015 at 11:16 AM. Reason : ]

2/6/2015 11:16:26 AM

lol and now you dont because of a sign

what a champ

2/6/2015 11:33:00 AM

I don't because I don't choose to give my money to the owner because he's a right-wing nut-job who uses his businesses to promote his political agenda.

Dude, why do you get off on anonymously attacking people for no reason on a message board? Yeah champ, keep winning the internet.

2/6/2015 12:32:31 PM

so wanting walmart to run the government was alright, youll still take a hotdog at that point, but the above picture was just too much?

2/6/2015 12:39:19 PM

I didn't say when I stopped eating there, champ.

[Edited on February 6, 2015 at 12:52 PM. Reason : and i didn't say i ate hot dogs, i'd usually get a burger or chicken salad]

2/6/2015 12:44:22 PM

so you still go there every few weeks, but dont enjoy it?

2/6/2015 1:35:43 PM

I just ate at snoopy's on glenwood/Hillsborough st.

there was no sign. so now I question whether they washed their hands or not.

2/6/2015 1:38:01 PM

in my hometown long ago there was a diner where the owner formed hamburger patties in her armpit

needless to say i wasnt worried about her politics

2/6/2015 2:00:23 PM

That sign rocks!

2/7/2015 5:43:19 AM

http://www.wral.com/factcheck-talking-about-medicaid-on-the-record-/14428311/

Paul Stam is the human form of an email chain letter

2/7/2015 2:02:25 PM

Quote :

"During a break in the show, we checked in with Stam regarding his statement on Medicaid. He said he was unaware of how the coverage gap worked."

2/7/2015 3:25:20 PM

Ideology Seen as Factor in Closings in University of North Carolina System
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/02/20/us/ideology-seen-as-factor-in-closings-in-university-of-north-carolina-system.html?referrer&_r=0

Doubtless that some will resort to attacking the sort rather than the point, but you have to love NC Conservative thinking: the problems of poverty and loss of biodiversity will simply vanish if we eliminate the institutions that study them. Also, closing down organizations that don't agree with you is a true sign of maturity...

2/21/2015 11:54:54 AM

You also have to love NC collectivist thinking that gave us these centers: the problems of poverty and loss of biodiversity will simply vanish if we create institutions that study them.

2/21/2015 4:24:41 PM

So we're as likely to solve a problem whether we study the problem or not?

[Edited on February 21, 2015 at 4:46 PM. Reason : ]

2/21/2015 4:43:25 PM

If you accept the premise the Center on Poverty, Work, & Opportunity (aka the "Poverty Center") at UNC was actually formed to study poverty and not to promote one specific politician, then ^ your concern would be valid. I, however, do not accept this premise and therefore am not concerned about the BOG's decision to close the Poverty Center.

2/21/2015 5:02:00 PM

Just a heads up for those of you who like to fret about such things...

http://www.popecenter.org/commentaries/article.html?id=3150

More "centers" will likely be targeted for closure in the upcoming months once in-depth reveiws are complete. Good news is NCSU centers passed with flying colors.

2/23/2015 11:06:12 AM

Well good. As long as it passes muster with Emperor Pope, then everything will be right in the world...

2/23/2015 2:53:54 PM

At least they aren't yet banning teaching US History like in Oklahoma and Texas.

If the Republicans want to set the precedence of having political appointees in the UNC Board shut down programs they feel are anathema to GOP ideals, that's their loss. They won't be in power forever.

2/23/2015 3:09:17 PM

way to make our state look like it's full of backwards yokels, NC GOP

[Edited on February 25, 2015 at 12:57 PM. Reason : .]

2/25/2015 12:47:30 PM

Quote :

"At least they aren't yet banning teaching US History like in Oklahoma and Texas"

They threatened to. I shit you not, what was once "Civics and Economics" in NC is now called "American History: Founding Principles, Civics, and Economics" as a result.

The new APUSH curriculum doesn't explicitly cover some "founding principles" as described by NC's Founding Principle Act: http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2011/Bills/House/PDF/H588v6.pd

As a result, some legislators were about to make it so that APUSH didn't count as an American History credit towards graduation anymore. DPI pointed out that even if APUSH doesn't cover these founding principles (which it does), Civics does, too. Legislators didn't buy it. DPI renamed Civics to AH: FPCE. Legislators now buy it.

Here's the Board of Education resolution: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=10399&AID=32856&MID=1643

2/25/2015 5:46:05 PM

this state isnt full of backwards yokels?

2/25/2015 5:53:37 PM

I love it, "let's seek out the classes that could actually be somewhat worth a fuck and give our students a slight advantage in getting into college/college credit and cancel them."

2/25/2015 6:49:56 PM

I don't totally hate Chad Barefoot's shake up of the wake county Board of Commissioners (same goes for the GBoro changes, although I haven't studied that proposal quite as closely). If the districts were actually based on anything other than trying to tilt the board toward the GOP, I would actually probably support it. On the other hand, its getting REALLY old watching the NCGA wade into every local issue that doesn't suit them.

But damn they are being sketchy as hell about pushing it through committee with as little notice as possible:
http://www.wral.com/hearing-on-wake-redistricting-bill-takes-opponents-by-surprise/14493084/

3/6/2015 10:58:24 AM

is it normal for the state to do those districts?

3/6/2015 12:43:22 PM

No, the General Statutes allows counties to pick from a number of optional structures, and that's typically how its done:

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/statutes/StatutesTOC.pl?Chapter=0153A

Quote :

"§ 153A-58. Optional structures. A county may alter the structure of its board of commissioners by adopting one or any combination of the options prescribed by this section. (1) Number of members of the board of commissioners: The board may consist of any number of members not less than three, except as limited by subdivision (2)d of this section. (2) Terms of office of members of the board of commissioners: a. Members shall be elected for two-year terms of office. b. Members shall be elected for four-year terms of office. c. Members shall be elected for overlapping four-year terms of office. d. The board shall consist of an odd number of members, who are elected for a combination of four-and two-year terms of office, so that a majority of members is elected each two years. This option may be used only if all members of the board are nominated and elected by the voters of the entire county, and only if the chairman of the board is elected by and from the members of the board. (3) Mode of election of the board of commissioners: a. The qualified voters of the entire county shall nominate all candidates for and elect all members of the board. For options b, c, and d, the county shall be divided into electoral districts, and board members shall be apportioned to the districts so that the quotients obtained by dividing the population of each district by the number of commissioners apportioned to the district are as nearly equal as practicable. b. The qualified voters of each district shall nominate candidates and elect members who reside in the district for seats apportioned to that district; and the qualified voters of the entire county shall nominate candidates and elect members apportioned to the county at large, if any. c. The qualified voters of each district shall nominate candidates who reside in the district for seats apportioned to that district, and the qualified voters of the entire county shall nominate candidates for seats apportioned to the county at large, if any; and the qualified voters of the entire county shall elect all the members of the board. d. Members shall reside in and represent the districts according to the apportionment plan adopted, but the qualified voters of the entire county shall nominate all candidates for and elect all members of the board. If any of options b, c, or d is adopted, the board shall divide the county into the requisite number of electoral districts according to the apportionment plan adopted, and shall cause a delineation of the districts so laid out to be drawn up and filed as required by G.S. 153A-20. No more than half the board may be apportioned to the county at large. (4) Selection of chairman of the board of commissioners: a. The board shall elect a chairman from among its membership to serve a one-year term, as provided by G.S. 153A-39. b. The chairmanship shall be a separate office. The qualified voters of the entire county nominate candidates for and elect the chairman for a two-or four-year term. (1927, c. 91, s. 3; 1969, c. 717, s. 1; 1973, c. 822, s. 1.)"

and if they choose to switch up some districts:

Quote :

" § 153A-22. Redefining electoral district boundaries. (a) If a county is divided into electoral districts for the purpose of nominating or electing persons to the board of commissioners, the board of commissioners may find as a fact whether there is substantial inequality of population among the districts. (b) If the board finds that there is substantial inequality of population among the districts, it may by resolution redefine the electoral districts. (c) Redefined electoral districts shall be so drawn that the quotients obtained by dividing the population of each district by the number of commissioners apportioned to the district are as nearly equal as practicable, and each district shall be composed of territory within a continuous boundary. (d) No change in the boundaries of an electoral district may affect the unexpired term of office of a commissioner residing in the district and serving on the board on the effective date of the resolution. If the terms of office of members of the board do not all expire at the same time, the resolution shall state which seats are to be filled at the initial election held under the resolution. (e) A resolution adopted pursuant to this section shall be the basis of electing persons to the board of commissioners at the first general election for members of the board of commissioners occurring after the resolution's effective date, and thereafter. A resolution becomes effective upon its adoption, unless it is adopted during the period beginning 150 days before the day of a primary and ending on the day of the next succeeding general election for membership on the board of commissioners, in which case it becomes effective on the first day after the end of the period. (f) Not later than 10 days after the day on which a resolution becomes effective, the clerk shall file in the Secretary of State's office, in the office of the register of deeds of the county, and with the chairman of the county board of elections, a certified copy of the resolution. (g) This section shall not apply to counties where under G.S. 153A-58(3)d. or under public or local act, districts are for residence purposes only, and the qualified voters of the entire county nominate all candidates for and elect all members of the board. (1981, c. 795.)"

All of that being said, counties draw all of their authority from the state. My understanding is that these local bills are legal, just fairly rare in NC history.

3/6/2015 3:07:15 PM

i was assuming it was legal, i just had no idea if it was common for the state to get involved in something like that

3/6/2015 3:08:21 PM

I haven't followed Sen. Barefoot's bill closely since I don't live in Wake any longer, but I imagine it was drafted at the prompting of a local elected official or party member. Here in Mecklenburg, one of our (R) county commissioners has been floating the idea of a similar proposal in the press and I'm sure he's corresponded with the Mecklenburg delegation in Raleigh about proposing a bill this session. There's no doubt a change to the make up of the county commission would help Republicans in Mecklenburg, but I don't know enough about local politics in Guilford and Wake to say the same.

3/7/2015 8:42:49 AM