Latest news with #N.C.House
Axios
28-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
State lawmakers could block Capital Boulevard's conversion into a toll road
State lawmakers could block the potential transformation of Capital Boulevard into a toll road under the N.C. House's proposed state budget. Why it matters: Local officials in Raleigh and Wake County have begrudgingly turned toward tolls as a way to pay for an expansion of a 10-mile section of Capital Boulevard between Raleigh and Wake Forest, one of the region's most gridlocked roads. State of play: That section of Capital Boulevard, also known as U.S. 1, has long been earmarked for expansion. But the project has been delayed several times and is likely to face further delays due to competition for funds. Currently, construction is slated to start in 2031, though the expectation is that timeline will be pushed back. Under the toll road option, though, construction would begin in 2027. That has led local leaders to turn to toll roads to speed up construction, with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) voting this week to recommend turning the section into a toll road. Driving the news: However, state Rep. Mike Schietzelt, a Republican who represents part of northern Wake County, introduced an amendment into the House's budget this week that would block state funds being used to turn U.S. 1 into a toll road. What they're saying: Schietzelt said congestion on Capital Boulevard is one of the biggest concerns among voters in his district, but he believes a toll would place too much of a burden on his constituents. "It is patently unjust to take a 110-year-old road and suddenly slap a toll on it," he told Axios, "when people have built businesses and homes along Capital Boulevard, they rely on Capital Boulevard, and now we're pulling the rug out from under them." He said he's been clear with local leaders for months that he might be able to support implementing some optional toll lanes on the road, but not the decision to toll every lane. Zoom out: The General Assembly has a long history of reversing decisions made at a local level, like stopping cities from instituting plastic bag bans, setting minimum wages, or adding affordable housing mandates. What's next: It's unclear if Schietzelt's amendment will make it to the final budget. The House and the Senate will have to negotiate a final budget bill between the two chambers in the coming weeks or months. And, ultimately, Gov. Josh Stein will have to sign the budget into law. The big picture: Without a toll road, Schietzelt said it will be up to state leaders like himself to find the funds to expand Capital Boulevard and other infrastructure. He said he would advocate for asking for federal assistance and would consider using state bonds to fund construction. But he also noted that the General Assembly needs to come up with longer-term solutions to replace the state's gas tax as electric vehicles make up a larger portion of cars. "I'm willing to consider a bond here, because I think the [return on investment] would be tremendous," he said. "But we've got to do something long-term on this infrastructure finance piece, because I think every state in the union is struggling with that as we've shifted to more electric vehicles."
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Raleigh's bronze tribute to George Washington gets a makeover
From his perch on Capitol Square, George Washington projects a jaunty self-confidence, his gaze steady, his chin lifted, his wig tied in a respectable bow — keeping a patriot's post with sword at the ready. But after 168 years, even a founding father needs a good scrubbing, especially this ex-president in bronze, who's turned a bit green from corrosion in the four decades since his last bath. So over the next week, the man on the $1 bill will get full restoration treatment down to a fresh coat of lacquer. 'He'll look better and last longer,' said Kara Deadmon, site administrator at the N.C. Capitol. 'He'll be a shiny bronze color.' Washington's makeover, funded through a nonprofit support group, comes as the state continues to tinker with Raleigh's most visible downtown square. An N.C. House proposal would add a statue of the Rev. Billy Graham, which would be the Capitol's latest addition since the Confederate monument removal in 2020. Washington has kept steady watch over Fayetteville Street since 1857, when a reported and likely exaggerated crowd of 10,000 people witnessed his statue being dedicated on the Fourth of July — complete with brass bands and explosions. 'As the covering of the statue was removed,' raved The Weekly Standard, 'the roar of cannon brought vividly before our mind's eye many of the terrifying scenes in which the father of his country had stood by her, as her destiny paled and flickered, calm and unmoved as the inanimate figure before us.' Raleigh held a special fondness for the commander-in-chief, having lost its original Washington statue in the 1831 fire that destroyed the Capitol. That marble monument from Italian sculptor Antonio Canova was widely considered a world masterpiece, depicting the first president in sandals and a Roman military kilt. So even though the bronze statute was only a copy, one of more than 30 produced nationwide, it represented Washington's triumphant return to Raleigh — a symbolic arrival considering the drumbeats of secession pounding across the South. As N.C. architectural historian Catherine Bishir has noted: 'By the 1850s, Washington's symbolic importance as father of the nation had grown with the years, as evidenced by the Washington Monument under construction in the nation's capital ... By this time, too, Washington's personification of national identity carried added meaning amid rising tensions between North and South.' Washington was widely considered stiff as a statue in his own lifetime, described by filmmaker Ken Burns as 'opaque and unknowable.' But as Raleigh's mascot for independence, none of Washington's awkwardness comes through — only his steely gaze fixed on righteousness, liberty and other important things. So pardon his scaffolding. Gallantry requires maintenance.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NC lawmakers are rushing a bill that will increase energy rates. We need to stop them
The N.C. Senate rushed through SB261, the Energy Security and Affordability Act. The bill would allow unchecked rate hikes outside of the usual regulatory process. It would also eliminate our bipartisan law to reduce our state's carbon emissions, gutting a commitment to fighting climate change, which attributed to the unprecedented devastation of our mountain towns and destruction of coastal homes. To reduce transparency and public feedback, lawmakers are rushing SB261 through the N.C. House. Contact your state representative to vote no. Mark Taylor, Charlotte I found the Mar. 24 article 'Cabarrus County Schools lack $3 million for special needs program' thought-provoking, particularly the irony and ideological perspective presented. The opening discusses the ongoing years of frustrations and funding shortages facing special education programs, then transitions into a critique of the president's goal to dismantle the federal education department, suggesting it will exacerbate the issue. Reorganizing the funding for education could actually be beneficial. At least, based on observations and interviews, it certainly would not hurt to explore other options, right? Mike Howard, Marvin Columnist Andrew Dunn took a potshot at Gov. Josh Stein after the State of the State address, saying Stein needs to be honest in discussion of prioritizing tax cuts above investments in public education. Dunn applauds the state GOP for increasing public education funding 'for over a decade.' Odd statement. After winning a legislative majority in 2010, Republicans eviscerated public education. Funding has increased, though at levels insufficient to recapture the good schools we had. Meanwhile, Republicans hungrily await their friendly state Supreme Court tossing the 35-year-old Leandro public education funding decision. It's Dunn who needs to be honest. Harry Taylor, Charlotte Blessings and thanks to the Templeton family for their donation to a trust of 42 acres of land on Lake Norman. Preservation of our historic forests will be a testament to this family's generosity and foresight for generations. I hope their gift will be an example to others to preserve our forests while we can! Laurie Carter, Matthews The Trump administration has touted the return of free speech. There are some notable exceptions. The Associated Press was banned from White House events because they use 'The Gulf of Mexico.' Trump has spoken about revoking licenses for media outlets that don't provide pro-Trump coverage. Military records that contain words relating to minorities and women have been flagged for deletion. Trump has threatened federal funding for universities that allow protests he doesn't care for. So free speech, as long as Trump approves of the content. Arnie Grieves, Huntersville As a minister with relationships with poor people, I am alarmed that our legislators are considering cuts to Medicaid. One woman who is insulin dependent and another with serious heart trouble are both part of our care circle. I urge your readers to let our Congress members know about Medicaid's lifesaving power. Our rural hospitals are barely hanging on. Cuts will hurt poor people and rural hospitals. Pat Jobe, Forest City State lawmakers are considering a reckless bill that would allow anyone to carry a firearm without mandatory training. Removing the requirement for a safety course makes communities less safe and increases the risk of accidental shootings. Just as drivers must pass a test, those carrying guns should require basic safety knowledge. Supporters cite the Second Amendment, but rights come with responsibilities. The government regulates driving and heavy machinery — why should firearms be different? This bill ignores law enforcement professionals who support training requirements. Police already face daily dangers. Untrained, armed individuals make their jobs even riskier. Law-abiding gun owners should have no issue completing a simple safety course. If we value responsible gun ownership, we must demand legislators reject SB50 before it leads to tragedy. Thomas Uhl, Mooresville I was planning to buy a car this year. Not now. With Trump's new 25% tariffs, I won't spend thousands more for that same car. Talk about inflation. Maybe billionaires don't mind. Maybe Trump feels richer now. I sure don't. On top of everything else, the Trump administration is a total clown show. Our country's security, health benefits, Social Security and more are all going down the tubes. Joseph Halpin, Fort Mill
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Gov. Stein to deliver his first State of State address
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is delivering his first State of the State address Wednesday night. Gov. Stein will lay out his plans for the next two years from the N.C. Legislative Building in Raleigh. ALSO READ: Gov. Stein visits western NC after Senate approves round of Helene disaster relief One honored guest expected at Wednesday night's address is from Mecklenburg County. Debbie Dalton lost her son, Hunter, to a fentanyl overdose in 2016. Since then, she's founded the The Hunter Dalton HDLife Foundation. The foundation provides education and resources to help prevent drug use. Following Stein's address, N.C. House Speaker Destin Hall will offer the Republican Party's response. You can watch the governor's address on or our free WSOC-TV App, beginning at 7 p.m. WATCH BELOW: CMS faces $100M funding cut as federal COVID stimulus expires
