[co-authors: Katelyn Kingsbury and Drew Moretz, Government Relations Advisors]

This week at the General Assembly, legislators continued to negotiate the budget bill with the Governor and members worked on new congressional and legislative district maps.

Budget Bill

Legislative leaders and Gov. Cooper, along with their staffs, continued to discuss the proposed biennial budget bill (S 105) behind closed doors this week and according to press reports, the Governor sent a new proposal to legislators. Among the issues expected to be resolved through the review and feedback process are: the amount of education spending, tax reductions and infrastructure spending. In addition, Gov. Cooper is advocating for an expansion of Medicaid coverage. Although a new budget bill was not enacted before the end of the state’s fiscal year on June 30, state government operations are continuing pursuant to state law with spending at the FY 21 recurring funding levels.   

Redistricting

This week, Legislators continued drawing legislative and congressional maps and could vote on them next week. This process occurs every 10 years after the Census. 

Some Notable Pending Bills

In addition to the significant funding and policy issues that will likely be addressed in the budget bill (S 105), a number of other notable bills are awaiting action. Among those are:

• H 954, which would authorize and regulate video lottery terminals—House Commerce Committee has passed; pending in House Finance Committee
• S 688, which would authorize sports wagering—Senate has passed; pending in House Commerce Committee
• S 711, which would authorize the use of marijuana for certain medical purposes—Three Senate committees have passed it; pending in Senate Rules Committee