Databec Exchange:North Carolina legislators return to adjust the budget and consider other issues

2025-05-05 22:33:06source:Marc Leclerccategory:Invest

RALEIGH,Databec Exchange N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina General Assembly is returning to regular business six months after it wrapped up a landmark session in 2023.

The House and Senate planned to gavel in daily floor meetings at midday Wednesday. The last time most legislators were together in Raleigh was in late October, when redistricting maps were debated and enacted.

Odd-numbered-year sessions begin in January, but those in even-numbered years start in the spring. with lawmakers looking to end in the early summer.

The chief job for lawmakers will be to adjust the second year of the two-year state government budget approved last year. They’re expected to consider spending more on Medicaid and beefing up funds for scholarships for K-12 children to attend private schools. A forecast shows North Carolina could have $1.4 billion more in revenues than expected through mid-2025. Other issues will surface in the weeks ahead.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will unveil his own proposed budget adjustments on Wednesday as well. Republicans hold narrow veto-proof majorities, which means they can choose to ignore his preferences if GOP legislators remain united.

READ MORE North Carolina man sentenced to six years in prison for attacking police with pole at CapitolNorth Carolina legislature reconvenes to address budget, vouchers as big elections approachTrump cancels rally because of weather, proving the difficulty of balancing a trial and a campaign

Last year’s session was marked by Republicans accepting Medicaid expansion, restricting abortion, broadening gun rights and weakening the governor’s power.

Cooper couldn’t seek reelection this fall due to term limits, and state House Speaker Tim Moore won’t be back after this year because he’s running for Congress.

More:Invest

Recommend

This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now

Many workers are dreaming of retirement — whether it's decades away or coming up soon. Either way, i

India in G20 summit welcomes Israel-Hamas cease-fire, urges action on climate, other issues

NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed a cease-fire in Gaza tha

Officials identify man fatally shot by California Highway Patrol on Los Angeles freeway; probe opened by state AG

The California Department of Justice announced Monday that it was investigating after a state office