Patrick Zarcone, Author at Progress NC Action

NCGOP overrides 5 more of Gov. Cooper’s vetoes; Lawsuits filed over voting, appointment powers bills

By Patrick Zarcone / October 13, 2023 / Comments Off

Gov. Cooper filed a lawsuit against state lawmakers over SB 512. The Democratic National Committee and NCDP also filed a lawsuit challenging SB 747.

The 6th anniversary of America’s deadliest mass shooting was this week – and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson might not even believe it happened

By Patrick Zarcone / October 6, 2023 / Comments Off

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who questioned the legitimacy of the largest mass shooting in our nation’s recent history, also opposes common-sense gun violence prevention solutions and is in the pocket of the NRA. He is not what North Carolina needs in our next governor.

As Banned Books Week comes to an end, here’s a look at the current fight against book bans in America

By Patrick Zarcone / October 6, 2023 / Comments Off

Banned Books Week is now in its 41st year and this past year may have been one of the worst when it comes to the freedom to read in America. According to a report by PEN America, the 2022-23 school year saw 3,362 instances of book bans in U.S. public schools.

After delaying passing a budget for 80+ days, NCGOP now turns focus to redrawing district maps in their favor

By Patrick Zarcone / September 29, 2023 / Comments Off

After wasting more than 80 days to agree on a state budget, Republican leaders in North Carolina are now turning their focus to redistricting and trying to figure out the most effective way to gerrymander as many districts in their favor as possible.

NC Republicans finally agree on a budget – and it’s full of right-wing priorities; teachers, state employees will barely get raises

By Patrick Zarcone / September 22, 2023 / Comments Off

It took more than 80 days of secretive negotiations and an uproar over a move to tie Medicaid expansion to casino legislation, but Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly finally agreed on a budget on Wednesday afternoon.

UNC students, anti-gun violence advocates take gun control message straight to NC Republicans

By Patrick Zarcone / September 15, 2023 / Comments Off

Tired of their pleas being ignored, members of March For Our Lives UNC, along with other anti-gun violence advocates, rallied outside the NCGA in Raleigh and then took their message straight to Republicans inside.

NC budget update: NCGOP leaders prioritize Las Vegas-style casino resorts, anti-LGBTQ+ hate over teachers, workers and Medicaid recipients

By Patrick Zarcone / September 8, 2023 / Comments Off

In North Carolina, teacher pay, public school funding, state employee raises and health care for 600,000+ residents are all dependent on Republicans in both chambers coming to an agreement and passing legislation.

NCGOP targeting voting rights, fair districting with voter suppression bill and plan to gerrymander maps to their advantage

By Patrick Zarcone / September 1, 2023 / Comments Off

Republicans will override the governor’s veto of SB 747, but a date for the vote has not been announced. After the vote is held, they will turn their attention to gerrymandering our maps in the fall and winter.

NC students, underpaid teachers are heading back to under-funded, short-staffed schools as NCGOP continues to ignore the budget

By Patrick Zarcone / August 28, 2023 / Comments Off

“This plan is clear: Starve public schools of what they need to succeed and then criticize them for their shortcomings,” Rep. Julie von Haefen (D-Wake) said.

Bills targeting trans youth are now NC law after Republicans override 6 of Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes

By Patrick Zarcone / August 18, 2023 / Comments Off

“The legislature finally comes back [and they] pass legislation that discriminates, makes housing less safe, blocks FEMA disaster recovery funding, hurts the freedom to vote and damages our economy,” said Gov. Cooper.