Feature

Gov. Cooper’s budget will raise teacher pay, cut taxes for the middle class, fully fund the Leandro Plan

By Patrick Zarcone / March 24, 2023 / Comments Off on Gov. Cooper’s budget will raise teacher pay, cut taxes for the middle class, fully fund the Leandro Plan

The governor’s budget proposal calls for an average teacher pay raise of 18%, which would make North Carolina’s teacher pay tops in the Southeast, instead of one of the worst.

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NC public schools will continue to be underfunded following the latest state Supreme Court ruling on Leandro

By Patrick Zarcone / March 17, 2023 / Comments Off on NC public schools will continue to be underfunded following the latest state Supreme Court ruling on Leandro

The case involving the state’s school equity plan – known as Leandro – began in 1994 and 29 years later, public schools have yet to be fully funded thanks to Republicans’ efforts to prevent that from happening.

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The NCGOP’s latest attack on education would ban K-12 schools from teaching about systemic racism

By Patrick Zarcone / March 17, 2023 / Comments Off on The NCGOP’s latest attack on education would ban K-12 schools from teaching about systemic racism

The state House Education committee held a hearing on House Bill 187 this week, a bill that would ban K-12 schools from teaching about systemic racism.

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NC Democrats introduce ‘Freedom to Vote Act’ to protect free and fair elections for all North Carolinians

By Patrick Zarcone / March 10, 2023 / Comments Off on NC Democrats introduce ‘Freedom to Vote Act’ to protect free and fair elections for all North Carolinians

The Freedom to Vote Act would make voting more accessible and end gerrymandering – two things that have helped Republicans remain in power in the legislature.

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6 NC sheriffs announce opposition to bills forcing them to act as ICE agents

By Patrick Zarcone / March 10, 2023 / Comments Off on 6 NC sheriffs announce opposition to bills forcing them to act as ICE agents

Six sheriffs who serve more than three million North Carolinians are standing up against legislation that would force them to act as ICE agents.

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Abortion care remains safe and legal as NC Republicans struggle to come to an agreement on restrictions

By Patrick Zarcone / March 3, 2023 / Comments Off on Abortion care remains safe and legal as NC Republicans struggle to come to an agreement on restrictions

For now, North Carolina remains the last safeguard for abortion access to millions of Americans across the southeast.

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NC Republicans vote to continue cycle of gun violence by making it easier to obtain handguns

By Patrick Zarcone / February 24, 2023 / Comments Off on NC Republicans vote to continue cycle of gun violence by making it easier to obtain handguns

Over the last two weeks, Republicans in the General Assembly have passed multiple gun bills with the apparent goal of making all North Carolinians less safe.

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Another Republican power grab underway in NCGA as they try to make the NC Board of Education an elected body

By Patrick Zarcone / February 24, 2023 / Comments Off on Another Republican power grab underway in NCGA as they try to make the NC Board of Education an elected body

The North Carolina governor has the power to appoint 11 of the 14 board members, with legislative approval. Republicans want to take that power away from the governor.

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What’s Happening This Week at the NCGA

By Patrick Zarcone / February 17, 2023 / Comments Off on What’s Happening This Week at the NCGA

The North Carolina General Assembly has been back in session for just over a month now and the past couple of weeks have been hectic.

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Harmful ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ SB 49 Passes NC Senate

By Patrick Zarcone / February 10, 2023 / Comments Off on Harmful ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ SB 49 Passes NC Senate

The simple truth is that this is yet another power grab from right-wing Republicans who are intent on controlling every aspect of our lives – so long as it’s an issue that they can add to their ever-growing culture war list.

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