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RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - When the General Assembly reconvenes Wednesday, legislators will dig into what's commonly referred to as the "short" session. But that doesn't mean the slate of issues to be addressed is simple. Many, in fact, are serious issues with long-term impact.
Here's a look at some of the issues policy watchers anticipate will be on the agenda.
Coal Ash Spill
Legislators are poised to address the recent coal ash spill into the Dan River. Ideas discussed are likely to address short-term and long-term concerns, Ideas that may surface in debate include more regulations and ways to protect the environemnt from existsing ash.
Adjust The Budget
There will be tweaks and adjustments to state spending for the second year of a two-year state budget. Since legislative leadership is committed to reining in spending, any increase in spending will likely come from existing revenue.
Medicaid
Chronic shortfalls in the delivery of health care services for the poor could this year be as high as $140 million. While shortfalls are always a red flag, previous Medicaid shortfalls have been much higher, making this year’s overrun a sign of progress in the management of the massive program.
Teacher Compensation
Gov. Pat McCrory and Lt. Gov. Dan Forest have both announced teacher pay initiatives. The governor’s plan increases teacher pay, increases funding for textbooks, and establishes salary supplements for those who obtain some advanced degrees. The Lt. Governor’s North Carolina Education Endowment will provide ways for the public to participate in raising teacher pay, including designation a portion of a tax refund toward the compensation fund.
Education Standards
A commission is reviewing the state’s adoption of the national Common Core education standards. If Common Core is eliminated, expect the commission to instead adopt some of its positive elements and replace other elements with more rigorous standards created by a state-based group.
Opportunity Scholarships
More than 4,000 low-income families who applied for a voucher to attend a private school this fall are in limbo due to a lawsuit challenging the program. Word on the street is that legislative leaders may change the funding source for the scholarships.
Film-Industry Tax Incentives
North Carolina’s generous 25 percent tax credit is due to expire in December. Legislators will face intense pressure to retain the credit, despite a Fiscal Research staff study that refuted claims by an NC State University researcher that the credit is an economic winner for the state.
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