Runoff
John Brooks, a Democratic candidate labor commissioner who finished second to Mary Fant Donnan in last week's primary, has formally asked the State Board of Elections to hold a June 24 runoff. According to unofficial results, Donnan received 27.6 percent of the vote in last week's four-candidate primary, well short of the more than 40 percent needed to avoid a runoff. Brooks, the labor commissioner between 1977 and 1993, was in second with 24.4 percent. The party's nominee would face GOP incumbent Cherie Berry in November. Second-place candidates have until noon Thursday to seek a runoff. Johnnie McLean with the elections board said two legislative races could also have a second election.
(THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 5/13/08).
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Poll Position
Poll Position
Gubernatorial candidates Pat McCrory and Beverly Perdue appear to be starting on a level playing field. The latest poll by Democratic firm Public Policy Polling found that McCrory, the Republican nominee, and Perdue, the Democratic nominee, were both the choice of 45 percent of those surveyed. The poll of 616 likely voters was conducted on May 8-9 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent. The survey also found that McCrory is getting more crossover support than Perdue. McCrory was the choice of 20 percent of self-identified Democrats, while Perdue was the favorite of 14 percent of self-identified Republicans.
(Dome, THE NEWS & OBSERVER, 5/14/08).
Gubernatorial candidates Pat McCrory and Beverly Perdue appear to be starting on a level playing field. The latest poll by Democratic firm Public Policy Polling found that McCrory, the Republican nominee, and Perdue, the Democratic nominee, were both the choice of 45 percent of those surveyed. The poll of 616 likely voters was conducted on May 8-9 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent. The survey also found that McCrory is getting more crossover support than Perdue. McCrory was the choice of 20 percent of self-identified Democrats, while Perdue was the favorite of 14 percent of self-identified Republicans.
(Dome, THE NEWS & OBSERVER, 5/14/08).
Illegal Immigrants Admission to Community Colleges
*Blog Editor Note* NASW-NC supported the coalition to block this effort. NASW-NC supports community colleges admitting students regardless of immigration status.
Illegal Immigrant Admissions
North Carolina's community college system said Tuesday that it is heeding recent advice from the state Attorney General's Office and no longer admitting illegal immigrants into degree programs. The University of North Carolina system, however, said it doesn't plan to stop admitting illegal immigrants just yet. Attorney General Roy Cooper's office advised the state's 58 community colleges last week that federal law appears to prevent states from enrolling illegal immigrants in state colleges and universities. Cooper's office also suggested that the community college system return to a 2001 policy that prohibited illegal immigrants from degree classes.
The community college system requested advice from Cooper's office last year after adopting a policy requiring community colleges to admit students irrelevant of immigration status. "We asked the Attorney General's Office for clarification of our present policy and will abide by their advice," said Scott Ralls, president of the community college system. The decision comes despite the federal government's assertion last week that it has no authority over admissions at North Carolina colleges, and despite Gov. Mike Easley's request that the colleges remain open to all. Easley's office released a brief statement about the decision Tuesday: "It is odd the community colleges would ask for clarification on the law and then change the policy before they get the clarification." The decision takes effect immediately at the system's 58 campuses.
In a memo to chancellors and the UNC Board of Governors, UNC President Erskine Bowles said university campuses would continue to admit illegal immigrants until there is further guidance from the federal government. "The University of North Carolina certainly intends to abide by the law," the memo said. "In this instance, there sure seems to be considerable legal disagreement about what the relevant federal law really says."
(Jane Stancill and Kristin Collins, THE NEWS & OBSERVER, 5/14/08).
Illegal Immigrant Admissions
North Carolina's community college system said Tuesday that it is heeding recent advice from the state Attorney General's Office and no longer admitting illegal immigrants into degree programs. The University of North Carolina system, however, said it doesn't plan to stop admitting illegal immigrants just yet. Attorney General Roy Cooper's office advised the state's 58 community colleges last week that federal law appears to prevent states from enrolling illegal immigrants in state colleges and universities. Cooper's office also suggested that the community college system return to a 2001 policy that prohibited illegal immigrants from degree classes.
The community college system requested advice from Cooper's office last year after adopting a policy requiring community colleges to admit students irrelevant of immigration status. "We asked the Attorney General's Office for clarification of our present policy and will abide by their advice," said Scott Ralls, president of the community college system. The decision comes despite the federal government's assertion last week that it has no authority over admissions at North Carolina colleges, and despite Gov. Mike Easley's request that the colleges remain open to all. Easley's office released a brief statement about the decision Tuesday: "It is odd the community colleges would ask for clarification on the law and then change the policy before they get the clarification." The decision takes effect immediately at the system's 58 campuses.
In a memo to chancellors and the UNC Board of Governors, UNC President Erskine Bowles said university campuses would continue to admit illegal immigrants until there is further guidance from the federal government. "The University of North Carolina certainly intends to abide by the law," the memo said. "In this instance, there sure seems to be considerable legal disagreement about what the relevant federal law really says."
(Jane Stancill and Kristin Collins, THE NEWS & OBSERVER, 5/14/08).
Transportation Bond
Transportation Bond
A blue ribbon transportation panel has asked lawmakers to consider a bond of at least $1 billion for roads and public transit projects. A major debt referendum on transportation may have a better chance in an election year than Monday's proposal from Democratic Gov. Mike Easley to raise cigarette and alcohol taxes for teacher raises and mental health care. "What you'll see is us trying to address all the needs, but not everybody will get everything we want," said House Speaker Joe Hackney, D-Orange. But he added: "We need to have some progress on transportation this session." The 21st Century Transportation Committee's recommendations, released just before the House and Senate convened, would build urban loops, reduce congestion, repair bridges and widen intrastate roads. The state Transportation Department has projected a $65 billion shortfall in transportation funding during the next two decades.
The panel of elected officials, transportation experts and business executives said lawmakers also should end a $172 million annual transfer from the Highway Trust Fund to the general operating fund, using much of the money to repay the bonds. The rest -- up to $45 million next year -- would help start toll road projects. No exact bond level was recommended by the committee. "The Legislature is going to have to weigh out what is appropriate," said Stephen Zelnak Jr., chief executive of Martin Marietta Materials, which makes road-building materials. Any bond package of less than $1 billion wouldn't be worth taking to voters, he said.
The panel also didn't say how it would close the hole in the state budget created by ending the transfer. Easley's $21.5 billion budget proposal, released Monday, would phase out the transfer over time. Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, D-Cumberland, seems to agree with that idea. "I think we'll begin to do something about the transfer but I don't think we have the resources to do it completely one full-fell swoop," he said. The panel also proposed expanding how many metropolitan counties can use local tax options to pay for public transportation needs. That money could be used to draw down matching funds from the state paid for with a bond. But Brad Wilson, chairman of the panel, said local tax options may have to wait another year, given legislators' opposition to new taxes.
(Gary D. Robertson, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 5/13/08).
A blue ribbon transportation panel has asked lawmakers to consider a bond of at least $1 billion for roads and public transit projects. A major debt referendum on transportation may have a better chance in an election year than Monday's proposal from Democratic Gov. Mike Easley to raise cigarette and alcohol taxes for teacher raises and mental health care. "What you'll see is us trying to address all the needs, but not everybody will get everything we want," said House Speaker Joe Hackney, D-Orange. But he added: "We need to have some progress on transportation this session." The 21st Century Transportation Committee's recommendations, released just before the House and Senate convened, would build urban loops, reduce congestion, repair bridges and widen intrastate roads. The state Transportation Department has projected a $65 billion shortfall in transportation funding during the next two decades.
The panel of elected officials, transportation experts and business executives said lawmakers also should end a $172 million annual transfer from the Highway Trust Fund to the general operating fund, using much of the money to repay the bonds. The rest -- up to $45 million next year -- would help start toll road projects. No exact bond level was recommended by the committee. "The Legislature is going to have to weigh out what is appropriate," said Stephen Zelnak Jr., chief executive of Martin Marietta Materials, which makes road-building materials. Any bond package of less than $1 billion wouldn't be worth taking to voters, he said.
The panel also didn't say how it would close the hole in the state budget created by ending the transfer. Easley's $21.5 billion budget proposal, released Monday, would phase out the transfer over time. Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, D-Cumberland, seems to agree with that idea. "I think we'll begin to do something about the transfer but I don't think we have the resources to do it completely one full-fell swoop," he said. The panel also proposed expanding how many metropolitan counties can use local tax options to pay for public transportation needs. That money could be used to draw down matching funds from the state paid for with a bond. But Brad Wilson, chairman of the panel, said local tax options may have to wait another year, given legislators' opposition to new taxes.
(Gary D. Robertson, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 5/13/08).
Session Starts
Session Starts
Legislative Republicans began the new legislative session vowing to fight off tax hikes proposed by Gov. Mike Easley and find ways to improve road building. They may find some allies in that fight -- Democratic legislative leaders. The new legislative session began Tuesday with legislators focused on the budget proposal made by Easley a day earlier. But legislative leaders were already expressing skepticism about the prospects for any tax increases this year. House Speaker Joe Hackney also said that Easley's plan regarding what to do with revenue generated by a proposed cigarette tax -- hiking teacher pay by 7 percent -- wouldn't stand in the House.
Hackney said the House traditionally hasn't supported large disparities between teacher pay increases and those of other state employees. "We hope to do better for our (non-teacher) state employees, I can tell you that," Hackney said. Easley's budget would provide a 1.83 percent raise to rank-and-file state employees, along with a one-time bonus of $1,000. Hackney also said that he expected the legislature to make some progress addressing transportation needs even while awaiting more substantial recommendations from a study committee for next year.
The committee recommended on Tuesday that the legislature end a $172 million transfer from the Highway Trust Fund to the General Fund, using the money to finance a road bond issue of at least $1 billion. Republican leaders have been touting a similar proposal. "Roads matter to people who live in the real world," said House Minority Leader Paul "Skip" Stam, R-Wake. Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said the governor's budget plan appeared to be promoting Easley's legacy, not helping the pressing needs of North Carolina families. "In tough economic times, it is not time to raise taxes," Berger said.
Later in the day, Easley budget adviser Dan Gerlach defended the plan to members of the House and Senate appropriations committees. Gerlach noted that there are currently disparities in teacher pay and comparably experienced non-teaching state employees, and that Easley's plan would help alleviate those disparities. "We'd love to give state employees more," he said. Gerlach added that beer and wine taxes have not been raised in decades. The session got underway with brief floor meetings in the House and Senate. The Senate accepted a state flag that it had earlier given to legislative staffer and National Guard Brig. Gen. Jim Trodgen. The flag had flown over Trogden's unit in Iraq. In the House, Rep. Sandra Spaulding Hughes, D-New Hanover, was seated after her appointment to replace former Rep. Thomas Wright, who was expelled from the House prior to his criminal conviction on corruption-related charges.
(THE INSIDER, 5/14/08).
Legislative Republicans began the new legislative session vowing to fight off tax hikes proposed by Gov. Mike Easley and find ways to improve road building. They may find some allies in that fight -- Democratic legislative leaders. The new legislative session began Tuesday with legislators focused on the budget proposal made by Easley a day earlier. But legislative leaders were already expressing skepticism about the prospects for any tax increases this year. House Speaker Joe Hackney also said that Easley's plan regarding what to do with revenue generated by a proposed cigarette tax -- hiking teacher pay by 7 percent -- wouldn't stand in the House.
Hackney said the House traditionally hasn't supported large disparities between teacher pay increases and those of other state employees. "We hope to do better for our (non-teacher) state employees, I can tell you that," Hackney said. Easley's budget would provide a 1.83 percent raise to rank-and-file state employees, along with a one-time bonus of $1,000. Hackney also said that he expected the legislature to make some progress addressing transportation needs even while awaiting more substantial recommendations from a study committee for next year.
The committee recommended on Tuesday that the legislature end a $172 million transfer from the Highway Trust Fund to the General Fund, using the money to finance a road bond issue of at least $1 billion. Republican leaders have been touting a similar proposal. "Roads matter to people who live in the real world," said House Minority Leader Paul "Skip" Stam, R-Wake. Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said the governor's budget plan appeared to be promoting Easley's legacy, not helping the pressing needs of North Carolina families. "In tough economic times, it is not time to raise taxes," Berger said.
Later in the day, Easley budget adviser Dan Gerlach defended the plan to members of the House and Senate appropriations committees. Gerlach noted that there are currently disparities in teacher pay and comparably experienced non-teaching state employees, and that Easley's plan would help alleviate those disparities. "We'd love to give state employees more," he said. Gerlach added that beer and wine taxes have not been raised in decades. The session got underway with brief floor meetings in the House and Senate. The Senate accepted a state flag that it had earlier given to legislative staffer and National Guard Brig. Gen. Jim Trodgen. The flag had flown over Trogden's unit in Iraq. In the House, Rep. Sandra Spaulding Hughes, D-New Hanover, was seated after her appointment to replace former Rep. Thomas Wright, who was expelled from the House prior to his criminal conviction on corruption-related charges.
(THE INSIDER, 5/14/08).
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
School Violence Prevention Act petition- Take Action Today!
*Blog Editor Note* From our friends at EqualityNC www.equalitync.org
Your Senators and Representatives are back in Raleigh today, and they need to hear your voices! Sign this petition to tell them to support an inclusive and effective anti-bullying policy with sexual orientation and gender identity and expression enumerated in the law! Our anti-gay opponents will be making their voices heard, and we must ensure that legislators hear voices of equality!
Here's how you can help:
Sign our online petition in support of the School Violence Prevention Act. Here's the link: http://eqfed.org/campaign/ncsafeschools
Help spread the word: forward this email to fair-minded family, friends, and colleagues and asking them to sign.
Even if you've already signed the petition or the postcards on this issue, you can make a difference by forwarding this email to 10 friends right now.
For Equality,
Ian Palmquist, Executive Director
P.S. It only takes a minute! Sign the petition online and forward this message right now. http://eqfed.org/campaign/ncsafeschools
Today, your Legislators are back in Raleigh.
Let them know that ALL bullying is unacceptable!
Sign the Petition Now!
Your Senators and Representatives are back in Raleigh today, and they need to hear your voices! Sign this petition to tell them to support an inclusive and effective anti-bullying policy with sexual orientation and gender identity and expression enumerated in the law! Our anti-gay opponents will be making their voices heard, and we must ensure that legislators hear voices of equality!
Here's how you can help:
Sign our online petition in support of the School Violence Prevention Act. Here's the link: http://eqfed.org/campaign/ncsafeschools
Help spread the word: forward this email to fair-minded family, friends, and colleagues and asking them to sign.
Even if you've already signed the petition or the postcards on this issue, you can make a difference by forwarding this email to 10 friends right now.
For Equality,
Ian Palmquist, Executive Director
P.S. It only takes a minute! Sign the petition online and forward this message right now. http://eqfed.org/campaign/ncsafeschools
Today, your Legislators are back in Raleigh.
Let them know that ALL bullying is unacceptable!
Sign the Petition Now!
News from NC Justice Center
NC Justice Center
PO Box 28068
224 S. Dawson St.
Raleigh, NC 27611
www.ncjustice.org
Please sharethis publication with colleagues and friends.
Read other NC Justice Center publications.
Subscribe.
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Contact the editor.
May 13, 2008 – In this edition:
Legislative Update
· Gov's budget includes teacher pay raises, regressive tax increases
· Help families and boost the economy with an EITC increase
· Improving workplace safety becomes a priority
In the News
· Trying to inject common sense into immigrants and education debate
· Court rules with consumers over payday lenders
· Health care for children threatened by Dole bill
· New Farm Bill increases funding for Food Stamps
· US House seeks to address foreclosure crisis
STATE BUDGET: Teacher Pay Raise, Regressive Tax Increases
On Monday, Governor Easley released his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which will begin July 1. It includes a 7% average pay raise for teachers and another 1.5% increase plus a $1,000 bonus for state employees. Governor Easley’s proposal includes funding for several initiatives that support low-income working families, including funds to keep children’s health insurance enrollment open, for child-care subsidies for low-income working families, and to help families facing foreclosure. Noticeably absent from the governor’s plan is funding to address the state’s growing affordable housing shortage.
The governor’s plan relies on $150 million raised by increasing cigarette and alcohol taxes. While it’s good news that the governor recognizes the need to raise revenues in order to fund important investments, it’s unfortunate that low-income taxpayers are being asked to pay more than their fair share of the bill. Just last year, the governor and the General Assembly acted to eliminate the state’s top income tax bracket, which was paid exclusively by the state’s wealthiest taxpayers – a tax that, if reinstated, would raise approximately the same amount of revenue as the two regressive tax increases included in the Governor’s proposed budget.
The Justice Center’s Budget and Tax Center will have a full analysis of Governor Easley’s budget proposal in next week’s newsletter.
Ø NC Policy Watch: Fitzsimon File – The Budget Debate Begins
Ø Office of the Governor: The North Carolina State Budget – Recommended Adjustments
Ø Raleigh News & Observer: Easley Proposes $21.5 Billion Budget
Ø TAKE ACTION: People of Color Legislative Day - May 28
TOP
SUPPORTING WORKERS: The Argument for an EITC Increase
North Carolina may not have much money to work with this year, but it makes sense to target any available dollars at the state’s working families, who are most hard-hit by the weakening economy and the rising prices of food, gas and health care.
Increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) would provide a much-needed economic stimulus for these families and North Carolina’s economy. In 2007, state lawmakers adopted a refundable version of the federal EITC worth 3.5% of the federal credit. This year, an estimated 845,000 NC households will be eligible for the new credit. As it currently stands, around $48 million will circulate to households in all 100 counties, and the average household benefit will be $56.
Almost all of the money from an increased state EITC would flow directly to North Carolina’s cities and towns as the families who benefit spend the additional income on basic necessities in their local economies. Increasing North Carolina’s state EITC is a smart, targeted investment that will put more money into the hands of low-income working families who need the most help.
Ø BTC Brief: A Boost for Families Who Need It the Most
Ø Charlotte Observer: Who Pays NC Taxes?
TOP
WORKER SAFETY: Easley Proposes Reforms, New Funding
Kudos to Governor Easley for his aggressive response to the recent Charlotte Observer series on the unsafe working conditions poultry workers often endure. He’s calling for the state to hire occupational health nurses and industrial hygienists to visit poultry plants, examine workers and ensure they are being treated properly. He also wants the state to provide funds so the Department of Labor can fill inspector jobs and other positions now frozen due to federal funding cuts. In addition, the governor is calling for legislation that will require large poultry plants to keep licensed nurses or physician’s assistants on site and to keep better records of workplace injuries.
Ø Charlotte Observer: Easley to Seek Poultry Changes
TOP
IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS: Standing Up for Fairness and Logic
Last week, Governor Easley, the Raleigh News & Observer, and the Charlotte Observer all tried to inject a little common sense into the debate over undocumented immigrants and higher education. Both papers pointed out that very few undocumented students attend NC’s universities or community colleges, and that those who do must pay out-of-state tuition, which more than covers the costs of their education.
What North Carolina should be doing is looking at ways to expand access to higher education. We know what makes good neighbors – a sense that we’re all invested in the well-being of the state and that we have opportunities to work our way toward better lives. That’s why closing doors to hard-working young people hurts us all.
Ø TAKE ACTION – Join El Pueblo and the Adelante Education Coalition for their Access to Higher Education Lobby Day – Tomorrow at the State Legislature!
Ø Charlotte Observer: Editorial – Academic Question
Ø Raleigh News & Observer: Editorial – Class and Borders
Ø Raleigh News & Observer: Easley Supports College for Illegal Immigrants
TOP
PAYDAY LENDING: Court of Appeals Sides with Borrowers
For years, the Justice Center has been working to get money back for the thousands of North Carolinians who were charged illegally high fees by payday lenders. Last week, this effort got new momentum with a ruling from the state Court of Appeals.
Back in 2004, Justice Center attorneys filed five class-action lawsuits on behalf of consumers. One of the payday industry’s primary arguments against the suits was that each contract signed by consumers included a prohibition against class-action suits.
Then earlier this year, the state Supreme Court ruled that such prohibitions are unconscionable in certain circumstances. The appeals court ruled the Justice Center’s suits must now go back to the trial court to see if these cases fall under those circumstances. We’ll keep you posted.
Ø Progressive Pulse: Another Setback for Predatory "Payday" Lenders
TOP
HEALTH CARE: Dole's Plan Worse for NC's Children
A children's health bill introduced by Senator Elizabeth Dole would actually roll back coverage for children in North Carolina. It doesn't provide enough money to cover the children currently enrolled in NC's Health Choice program, and it would block the new NC Kids' Care program, which is a discount child health insurance plan for working families.
Last year, Dole voted against child health coverage twice – the second time against a compromise bill that concentrated most of the new money coming to states on lower-income children.
Ø Progressive Pulse: Dole Scrambles for Political Cover on Health Insurance for Children
TOP
FOOD STAMPS: NC Families Could Get More Money for Food
The 2008 Farm Bill includes numerous improvements that will help low-income Americans put food on the table. It provides more than $10 billion over ten years in increases to nutrition programs. That includes $7.8 billion for the Food Stamp Program, $1.26 billion for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and $1 billion for programs that provide free fruit and vegetables to kids in schools with high shares of low-income families.
This bill will also raise and index for inflation the standard deduction and minimum benefit of the Food Stamp Program. That means for the first time the purchasing power for Food Stamps will keep up with inflation year to year.
All in all, these changes will bring $14 million to North Carolina in 2009 and $242 million over the ten-year period. However, President Bush has threatened to veto the bill.
Ø Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: Farm Bill Conference Agreement Contains Significant Domestic Nutrition Improvements
Ø New York Times: Congress Agrees on Farm Bill as Bush Veto is Threatened
Ø Asheville Citizen-Times: Report – A Third of NC Families Struggling to Pay Bills
Ø Coalition on Human Needs: Vote on Passage of the Farm Bill Expected This Week
TOP
FORECLOSURE: Bills Could Help Families and Communities
President Bush is also threatening to veto two housing bills designed to help homeowners and communities impacted by the foreclosure crisis. One bill would let the Federal Housing Administration insure up to $300 billion in loans over four years to refinance the mortgages of debt-strapped homeowners. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would generate about 500,000 refinanced mortgages over the next five years and cost roughly $2.7 billion. The second bill would create a $15 billion loan and grant program so states can buy and spruce up foreclosed properties.
Both bills are better than the Senate’s so-called "Foreclosure Prevention Act," which would do little to help struggling homeowners. There's much more that could be done to help struggling homeowners and communities, but that would require overcoming the strong political muscle of the financial sector.
Ø National Community Reinvestment Coalition: Legislative Analysis
Ø New York Times: Defying Bush, House Passes Broad Housing Bill
Catch NC Policy Watch’s radio show News & Views with Chris Fitzsimon each Sunday at 7:30 a.m. on WRAL-FM (101.5) and WCMC-FM (99.9), or find a station near you.
PO Box 28068
224 S. Dawson St.
Raleigh, NC 27611
www.ncjustice.org
Please sharethis publication with colleagues and friends.
Read other NC Justice Center publications.
Subscribe.
Unsubscribe.
Contact the editor.
May 13, 2008 – In this edition:
Legislative Update
· Gov's budget includes teacher pay raises, regressive tax increases
· Help families and boost the economy with an EITC increase
· Improving workplace safety becomes a priority
In the News
· Trying to inject common sense into immigrants and education debate
· Court rules with consumers over payday lenders
· Health care for children threatened by Dole bill
· New Farm Bill increases funding for Food Stamps
· US House seeks to address foreclosure crisis
STATE BUDGET: Teacher Pay Raise, Regressive Tax Increases
On Monday, Governor Easley released his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which will begin July 1. It includes a 7% average pay raise for teachers and another 1.5% increase plus a $1,000 bonus for state employees. Governor Easley’s proposal includes funding for several initiatives that support low-income working families, including funds to keep children’s health insurance enrollment open, for child-care subsidies for low-income working families, and to help families facing foreclosure. Noticeably absent from the governor’s plan is funding to address the state’s growing affordable housing shortage.
The governor’s plan relies on $150 million raised by increasing cigarette and alcohol taxes. While it’s good news that the governor recognizes the need to raise revenues in order to fund important investments, it’s unfortunate that low-income taxpayers are being asked to pay more than their fair share of the bill. Just last year, the governor and the General Assembly acted to eliminate the state’s top income tax bracket, which was paid exclusively by the state’s wealthiest taxpayers – a tax that, if reinstated, would raise approximately the same amount of revenue as the two regressive tax increases included in the Governor’s proposed budget.
The Justice Center’s Budget and Tax Center will have a full analysis of Governor Easley’s budget proposal in next week’s newsletter.
Ø NC Policy Watch: Fitzsimon File – The Budget Debate Begins
Ø Office of the Governor: The North Carolina State Budget – Recommended Adjustments
Ø Raleigh News & Observer: Easley Proposes $21.5 Billion Budget
Ø TAKE ACTION: People of Color Legislative Day - May 28
TOP
SUPPORTING WORKERS: The Argument for an EITC Increase
North Carolina may not have much money to work with this year, but it makes sense to target any available dollars at the state’s working families, who are most hard-hit by the weakening economy and the rising prices of food, gas and health care.
Increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) would provide a much-needed economic stimulus for these families and North Carolina’s economy. In 2007, state lawmakers adopted a refundable version of the federal EITC worth 3.5% of the federal credit. This year, an estimated 845,000 NC households will be eligible for the new credit. As it currently stands, around $48 million will circulate to households in all 100 counties, and the average household benefit will be $56.
Almost all of the money from an increased state EITC would flow directly to North Carolina’s cities and towns as the families who benefit spend the additional income on basic necessities in their local economies. Increasing North Carolina’s state EITC is a smart, targeted investment that will put more money into the hands of low-income working families who need the most help.
Ø BTC Brief: A Boost for Families Who Need It the Most
Ø Charlotte Observer: Who Pays NC Taxes?
TOP
WORKER SAFETY: Easley Proposes Reforms, New Funding
Kudos to Governor Easley for his aggressive response to the recent Charlotte Observer series on the unsafe working conditions poultry workers often endure. He’s calling for the state to hire occupational health nurses and industrial hygienists to visit poultry plants, examine workers and ensure they are being treated properly. He also wants the state to provide funds so the Department of Labor can fill inspector jobs and other positions now frozen due to federal funding cuts. In addition, the governor is calling for legislation that will require large poultry plants to keep licensed nurses or physician’s assistants on site and to keep better records of workplace injuries.
Ø Charlotte Observer: Easley to Seek Poultry Changes
TOP
IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS: Standing Up for Fairness and Logic
Last week, Governor Easley, the Raleigh News & Observer, and the Charlotte Observer all tried to inject a little common sense into the debate over undocumented immigrants and higher education. Both papers pointed out that very few undocumented students attend NC’s universities or community colleges, and that those who do must pay out-of-state tuition, which more than covers the costs of their education.
What North Carolina should be doing is looking at ways to expand access to higher education. We know what makes good neighbors – a sense that we’re all invested in the well-being of the state and that we have opportunities to work our way toward better lives. That’s why closing doors to hard-working young people hurts us all.
Ø TAKE ACTION – Join El Pueblo and the Adelante Education Coalition for their Access to Higher Education Lobby Day – Tomorrow at the State Legislature!
Ø Charlotte Observer: Editorial – Academic Question
Ø Raleigh News & Observer: Editorial – Class and Borders
Ø Raleigh News & Observer: Easley Supports College for Illegal Immigrants
TOP
PAYDAY LENDING: Court of Appeals Sides with Borrowers
For years, the Justice Center has been working to get money back for the thousands of North Carolinians who were charged illegally high fees by payday lenders. Last week, this effort got new momentum with a ruling from the state Court of Appeals.
Back in 2004, Justice Center attorneys filed five class-action lawsuits on behalf of consumers. One of the payday industry’s primary arguments against the suits was that each contract signed by consumers included a prohibition against class-action suits.
Then earlier this year, the state Supreme Court ruled that such prohibitions are unconscionable in certain circumstances. The appeals court ruled the Justice Center’s suits must now go back to the trial court to see if these cases fall under those circumstances. We’ll keep you posted.
Ø Progressive Pulse: Another Setback for Predatory "Payday" Lenders
TOP
HEALTH CARE: Dole's Plan Worse for NC's Children
A children's health bill introduced by Senator Elizabeth Dole would actually roll back coverage for children in North Carolina. It doesn't provide enough money to cover the children currently enrolled in NC's Health Choice program, and it would block the new NC Kids' Care program, which is a discount child health insurance plan for working families.
Last year, Dole voted against child health coverage twice – the second time against a compromise bill that concentrated most of the new money coming to states on lower-income children.
Ø Progressive Pulse: Dole Scrambles for Political Cover on Health Insurance for Children
TOP
FOOD STAMPS: NC Families Could Get More Money for Food
The 2008 Farm Bill includes numerous improvements that will help low-income Americans put food on the table. It provides more than $10 billion over ten years in increases to nutrition programs. That includes $7.8 billion for the Food Stamp Program, $1.26 billion for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and $1 billion for programs that provide free fruit and vegetables to kids in schools with high shares of low-income families.
This bill will also raise and index for inflation the standard deduction and minimum benefit of the Food Stamp Program. That means for the first time the purchasing power for Food Stamps will keep up with inflation year to year.
All in all, these changes will bring $14 million to North Carolina in 2009 and $242 million over the ten-year period. However, President Bush has threatened to veto the bill.
Ø Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: Farm Bill Conference Agreement Contains Significant Domestic Nutrition Improvements
Ø New York Times: Congress Agrees on Farm Bill as Bush Veto is Threatened
Ø Asheville Citizen-Times: Report – A Third of NC Families Struggling to Pay Bills
Ø Coalition on Human Needs: Vote on Passage of the Farm Bill Expected This Week
TOP
FORECLOSURE: Bills Could Help Families and Communities
President Bush is also threatening to veto two housing bills designed to help homeowners and communities impacted by the foreclosure crisis. One bill would let the Federal Housing Administration insure up to $300 billion in loans over four years to refinance the mortgages of debt-strapped homeowners. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would generate about 500,000 refinanced mortgages over the next five years and cost roughly $2.7 billion. The second bill would create a $15 billion loan and grant program so states can buy and spruce up foreclosed properties.
Both bills are better than the Senate’s so-called "Foreclosure Prevention Act," which would do little to help struggling homeowners. There's much more that could be done to help struggling homeowners and communities, but that would require overcoming the strong political muscle of the financial sector.
Ø National Community Reinvestment Coalition: Legislative Analysis
Ø New York Times: Defying Bush, House Passes Broad Housing Bill
Catch NC Policy Watch’s radio show News & Views with Chris Fitzsimon each Sunday at 7:30 a.m. on WRAL-FM (101.5) and WCMC-FM (99.9), or find a station near you.
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