NCGA Archives - WPTF-AM

North Carolina GOP sending immigration crackdown bills to Democratic Gov. Stein

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republicans at the North Carolina legislature have given final approval to two pieces of immigration legislation. One would compel state agencies to participate in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and the other would toughen a recent law that required sheriffs to help federal agents seeking criminal defendants. A series of House and Senate votes on the measures on Tuesday means they now go to new Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, who has yet to veto a bill and since taking office has tried to build rapport with lawmakers. The GOP’s legislative maneuvers happened as National Guard troops have been deployed by Trump to Los Angeles.… Continue Reading

Taxes, salaries, vacancy cuts make plain differences over rival North Carolina GOP budgets

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina House’s state budget proposal makes plain differences on taxes, salaries and job cuts between Republicans who control both General Assembly chambers. The House gave preliminary approval Wednesday to its plan to spend $32.6 billion in the year beginning July 1 and $33.3 billion the next year. The Senate approved its two-year plan last month. The chambers are soon expected to start negotiating a final measure to present to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. The House plan appears more cautious on permitting future tax rate reductions compared to the Senate. One national conservative group warned of political consequences for House members who voted for the plan.… Continue Reading

North Carolina Republicans already seek to tighten up 2024 immigration enforcement law

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republicans managed just last fall to enact their long-sought policy ordering local sheriffs to cooperate with federal agents seeking to locate and deport certain jail inmates. Some GOP members already want it tightened further. The GOP-controlled state House approved a measure Tuesday that would subject people accused of more categories of crimes to inquiries about their immigration status. The bill also would make clear that jail officials must contact federal immigration agents if they’re holding someone. Vetoes by then-Gov. Roy Cooper meant Republicans took five years to pass the initial law. The proposed upgrade comes as President Donald Trump pushes an immigration enforcement crackdown nationally.… Continue Reading

Last North Carolina legislative races get finalized, confirming GOP loss of veto-proof control

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina General Assembly elections have been finalized and confirm that Republicans have lost their veto-proof control of the legislature after nearly two years. Election officials issued on Monday certificates to the winners in three close legislative races from November. The defeat of state Rep. Frank Sossamon to Democrat Bryan Cohn means Republicans are one seat shy of holding a veto-proof majority at the legislature. Now the veto stamp of new Democratic Gov. Josh Stein could be more effective in blocking GOP measures that he opposes. Opening day of the next two-year General Assembly session is Wednesday.… Continue Reading

Republicans make gains in numerous state legislatures. But Democrats also notch a few wins

Republicans running on the ballot underneath President-elect Donald Trump have made gains in numerous state legislatures. But Democrats also notched a few wins in an expensive battle for state power. The most notable change came in Michigan, where Republicans won back the House just two years after Democrats took full control of state government. Republicans also appear on track to force a tie in the Minnesota House, which had been led by Democrats. Both parties scored some incremental victories. Republicans ended Democrats’ veto-proof supermajority in Vermont, while Democrats appeared on track to do the same in North Carolina.… Continue Reading

North Carolina’s next governor could have a more potent veto with even a small Democratic gain

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein’s veto could become more effective than outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper’s stamp has been recently, should the margin in a legislative district election hold. Results show Democrats winning 48 state House seats and leading a Republican incumbent in another race that remains close. If that pending advantage holds, the GOP’s current veto-proof majority in the chamber would end come January. Since last year, Republicans have held the exact House and Senate majorities needed to override Cooper’s vetoes, helping them advance their conservative agenda. The likely next House speaker downplayed any small shift and said successful overrides are still possible with help from Democrats.… Continue Reading

North Carolina’s governor approves more than $600 million in Helene recovery funding

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina state legislators have approved over $600 million more toward Hurricane Helene recovery and relief. The Republican-dominated General Assembly held a one-day session Thursday to consider additional funding and legislation. Four weeks ago, Helene tore across the Southeast and wreaked havoc in western North Carolina. Lawmakers had approved a $273 million package earlier this month. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has calculated overall storm damages and needs at over $53 billion and is requesting $3.9 billion in state funds. Republican leaders said they would consider Cooper’s proposal in the weeks ahead. The legislature also enacted another measure to direct two storm-affected counties to open more early-voting sites.… Continue Reading

Legislative majorities giving one party all the power are in play in several states

SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — A behind-the-scenes battle is underway between Democrats and Republicans for supermajority control of state legislatures across the country. More than 5,800 state legislative seats are up for election this year in 44 states. In most states, there is little doubt which party will prevail because of local voting patterns heavily favoring one party over another. But there is still plenty at stake. In 14 states, a swing of just three seats or fewer could determine whether one party holds a supermajority, meaning a margin so large it can enact laws without needing any support from the other party.… Continue Reading