January 31, 2025 Weekly Roundup
Scroll down for this week’s North Carolina state governmental and political news.
NC-Related National Politics & Policy
The Trump administration’s movements toward impounding federal funds previously approved by Congress for a broad swathe of programs that affect all Americans were top of the news this week. While the full range of programs being targeted, and whether they’ll ultimately survive ongoing federal court challenges, remain unclear, it’s certain that cutting programs they don’t like is a high priority for Trump’s team. Here’s a roundup of articles about how these cuts could affect North Carolina:
Trump freeze on funds would have 'catastrophic' impact on Asheville area nonprofits Asheville Citizen-Times 1/29/25 "... especially those in WNC working in the wake of Helene."
Published before the Trump administration on 1/29 rescinded its broad freeze on federal funding disbursements: New Trump directive to federal health & research agencies could hit NC in the pocketbook NC Nealth News 1/27/25 "North Carolina received more than $4.2 billion from the National Institutes of Health over the past two fiscal years — research dollars that are important drivers of economic activity across the state." See also Trump order could impact billions of dollars in funding for NC health programs WRAL 1/29/25, and NCNewsline 1/28.
Other federal policy-related news that specifically pertains to NC:
Trump names four North Carolinians to panel evaluating FEMA NCNewsline 1/28/25 "President Donald Trump has designated Republican National Committee chair [previously NC GOP chair] Michael Whatley and three other North Carolinians to serve on a panel charged with reviewing the work and future of FEMA.... Joining Whatley on the council are members of Congress representing North Carolina: Republican U.S. Reps. Virginia Foxx of Banner Elk, Chuck Edwards of Flat Rock and Tim Moore of Kings Mountain." See also NCNewsline 1/28 (covers what the panel is expected to do).
Are NC schools safe for undocumented students? Districts try to reassure worried families Raleigh News & Observer 1/30/25 "A middle school teacher says a student asked if it was OK to jump out the window if ICE showed up at school."
NC Medicaid could face risk from congressional GOP ideas to fund tax cuts, immigration Raleigh News & Observer 1/28/25.
Harris bill would ban mail-order abortion pills at the federal level Carolina Journal 1/28/25 "Freshman Congressman Mark Harris, NC-08, introduced his first bill in Congress last week, the Teleabortion Prevention Act. This bill would make it a federal offense for doctors to send abortion drugs to women through the mail or provide them with the abortion drug, mifepristone, without a physical exam."
NC congressman [David Rouzer R, NC-7] introduces bill to abolish US Department of Education – but will it really happen? Carolina Journal 1/28/25
North Carolina members of Congress introduce bill allowing ‘sanctuary cities’ to be sued NCNewsline 1/25/25 "Under the bill introduced by Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. Chuck Edwards, jurisdictions could face civil lawsuits for failing to deport undocumented immigrants who later commit felonies."
Thom Tillis: Standing up for what's wrong PoliticsNC 1/25/25 "In the vote for Secretary of Defense, Tillis could have shown courage, but he would have had to find it first." Sen. Tillis chronically expresses concern, then reliably votes for GOP extremism. He’s up for re-election in 2026. See also a PoliticsNC 1/29 followup, and Carolina Journal 1/25, for GOP defense of Tillis’s vote.
Trump proposes ‘getting rid of FEMA’ while touring disaster areas AP 1/24/25. See also Trump disparaged FEMA in NC. Here’s what the agency did during Hurricane Helene. Raleigh News & Observer 1/24/25, AVLWatchdog 1/24, NCNewsline 1/24, Carolina Journal 1/24 here and here, and Helene Recovery, below.
Not all are full steam ahead with Lumbees getting federal recognition Center Square 1/26/25 "Federal recognition … has gotten a nod from second-term Republican President Donald Trump and other members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation." Leaders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians oppose it. "The Lumbee Fairness Act, reintroduced in both chambers of Congress, has drawn support and opposition based on geography as opposed to the recent trend of party partisanship.... Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, both Republicans from the state, brought the bill in the Senate. House members who did not sign on as cosponsors are [WNC] Republican Reps. Chuck Edwards, Virginia Foxx, Brad Knott and Pat Harrigan, and Democrat Alma Adams." See also Trump urges full federal recognition for Lumbee: Eastern band continues its opposition Smoky Mountain News 1/29/25.
Judge rejects Perdue Farms’ request to block NC whistleblower complaints Carolina Journal 1/29/25 "A federal judge has rejected Perdue Farms' request to block the US Department of Labor from hearing two whistleblower complaints from North Carolina poultry farmers. One complaint dates back to 2015. The other was filed in 2021. Both involve poultry farmers raising concerns about Perdue's birds."
See also Helene Recovery, below.
NC State Government: Executive Branch
Helene Recovery
Private roads damaged by Helene may see federal funding under new bill Carolina Journal 1/29/25 "US Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, along with US Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, have introduced a bill in the Senate that will allow public assistance funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be used for permanent repair of private roads and bridges that Hurricane Helene destroyed."
Why Is ReBuild NC involved in disaster management in western North Carolina? NCNewsline 1/29/25 "The governor’s office said the troubled agency, which fumbled hurricane relief in the east, wouldn’t go to devastated mountain areas after Hurricane Helene. But ReBuild NC has done just that."
Of truth and trust: Lack of accountability haunts charitable hurricane relief efforts Smoky Mountain News 1/28/25. Deep dive into specific circumstances in Haywood County.
‘No rebuilding without them’: Trump’s immigration crackdown will affect disaster recovery Guardian 1/29/25
Short-Term Rental Owners Steel Themselves for Long Recovery Assembly 1/27/25 "Western N.C.’s vacation rental industry, a key component of the tourism economy, faces an uncertain future after Hurricane Helene."
NC’s new governor: Stein, Trump and the Helene recovery Raleigh News & Observer 1/26/25.
North Carolina expands Hurricane Helene recovery jobs program Cardinal & Pine 1/28/25. Previously reported elsewhere, more detail here.
See also NC-Related… above, and State Legislature, below.
Governor
State elections board legal dispute could extend through late March Carolina Journal 1/29/25 "Democratic Gov. Josh Stein and top Republican lawmakers are asking a three-judge panel to vacate its March 2024 ruling favoring then-Gov. Roy Cooper in an earlier stage of the dispute. Stein would file a supplemental complaint, and both sides would file written briefs through March 17. Oral arguments would follow "on or after" March 24."
Campaign finance reports show Stein’s fundraising more than quadrupled Robinson’s Carolina Journal 1/29/25
State Attorney General
Action taken before White House rescinded this freeze: NC joins more than 20 states in suing Trump administration over federal funding freeze Raleigh News & Observer 1/29/25. See also NC DoJ press release 1/28, which includes link to the complaint filed with the court.
HCA’s purchase of Mission Health did not lead to lasting improvements, Wake Forest academic report concludes AVLWatchdog 1/28/25 "Other states can draw lessons from 2019 deal and could give AGs more power to regulate sales, strengthen certificate-of-need laws." Lawsuit against HCA/Mission started by then-AG Josh Stein has been continued by AG Jeff Jackson. This article links to AVLWatchdog’s many articles covering the aftermath of HCA’s purchase. See also Mission tries to retain beds it gave up after closing Asheville Specialty Hospital, letter obtained by Watchdog shows AVLWatchdog 1/30/25 "Certificate of Need prohibits move; NCDHHS says it’s reviewing situation." And Instrumental in Helene aftermath, Mission Health ‘back to their old ways’ Carolina Public Press 1/30/25.
“Attorney General Jeff Jackson Secures $7.4 Billion from Purdue and the Sacklers.... for their role in creating the opioid crisis." press release from state AG’s office, 1/24/25.
Other State Executive Branch News
Aircraft engine manufacturer plans $285M Asheville expansion WRAL 1/28/25 "Pratt & Whitney plans to add 325 employees by the end of 2029, state economic development officials said Tuesday. Commerce officials approved a jobs grant worth up to $4.2 million." See also NCNewsline 1/29.
NC Superintendent Mo Green talks about school funding, cellphones in the classroom, and listening WUNC 1/23/25.
Review of ex-North Carolina treasurer’s use of state cars ends with no charges filed AP 1/28/25 "an investigation into how then-State Treasurer Dale Folwell used state government vehicles is ending with no charges filed, saying the review found that any alleged policy violations were “insufficient to support a successful criminal prosecution…. Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman on Monday said that Folwell did agree to pay the state $6,234." See also WRAL 1/27, Raleigh News & Observer 1/27.
State Legislature
This year’s state legislative session launched this week, with bills introduced and hearings held:
NC Republican lawmakers eye concealed-carry rules, taxes on tips and overtime in new bills WRAL 1/29/25 "Many of the bills filed on the first day of the 2025 legislative session reflect new efforts to advance initiatives that failed in previous years. Others seek to create local versions of President Donald Trump's federal priorities."
No tax on tips? Tax deduction for gambling losses? NC lawmakers return with new ideas Raleigh News & Observer 1/30/25.
NC Republicans propose stricter laws targeting migrants. A look at what they want. Raleigh News & Observer 1/30/25.
Can you deduct gambling losses on taxes in NC? Lawmakers file bill to allow it WRAL 1/29/25 "The House bill would conform North Carolina's tax policy to that of the federal government and most states that allow sports betting."
On Helene recovery:
North Carolina officials make urgent request to lawmakers on Helene and other hurricanes AP 1/30/25. See also NCNewsline 1/30, WRAL 1/30, Raleigh News & Observer 1/30, and Carolina Journal 1/30. Much of the hearing focused on whether funds for recovery from previous hurricanes were well spent.
Federal money for housing in western NC could be delayed until fall, top Helene officials warn NCNewsline 1/29/25 "HUD money could be held up. State would have to turn to ‘creative solutions’ in the meantime.... Jonathan Krebs, [Gov. Josh] Stein’s advisor for western North Carolina, told state lawmakers that he was concerned the dollars … could be held up “outside of our control, for a variety of reasons.”" See also Raleigh News & Observer 1/29, and this GOP-aligned report on the same hearing: GROW NC office and state lawmakers clash over temporary housing needs in western NC Carolina Journal 1/30/25.
NC lawmakers kick off 2025 with focus on Helene recovery WRAL 1/29/25 "Two legislative committees will hear testimony from state disaster recovery officials this week. State lawmakers must debate how much more money to spend on Helene relief aid, and how to respond with two new administrations under Josh Stein and Donald Trump."
NC lawmakers to focus on Helene, the budget and, some predict, cooperation Carolina Public Press 1/27/25 "As a new legislative session begins, Democrats and Republicans find themselves faced with old issues and an all too familiar power divide."
Other state legislative news:
Hall announces the North Carolina House committee appointments for 2025-26 Carolina Journal 1/29/25
Life of the party: For Republican lawmakers, it’s, again, majority rules Carolina Public Press 1/29/25 "One seat. That’s all GOP lawmakers need for a supermajority. They just need to convince a Democrat to break with their party. But who?" Article names seven most likely targets, none from WNC.
As lawmakers return to Raleigh, education supporters call for improved public school funding NCNewsline 1/29/25 "Mo Green, the state’s new Superintendent of Public Instruction echoes plea for better teacher pay."
North Carolina doctors, patients, lawmakers call for health insurance reform in 2025 WRAL 1/28/25 "An attempt to limit insurers' use of prior authorization is expected to be a top priority this session for a bipartisan group of North Carolina state lawmakers. That's likely to provoke a battle with state health insurers, who say it's an essential tool to help control health care costs." See also Raleigh News & Observer 1/25/25.
How the N.C. Legislature Bankrolls Anti-Abortion Centers Assembly 1/8/25 "Over the past three years, the state legislature has increased funding to so-called crisis pregnancy centers, with little oversight or outcomes to show for the $30 million total expenditure."
Trial over contested NC Senate map scheduled next week Carolina Journal 1/28/25 "A federal trial is scheduled next week in a lawsuit challenging North Carolina's state Senate election map. Two plaintiffs from northeastern North Carolina argue that the map discriminates against black voters, violating the federal Constitution."
State Judiciary
Disputed Seat on NC Supreme Court
Federal appeals judges try to untangle litigation over pending North Carolina court election AP 1/27/25 "Three judges on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, [on Monday 1/27] heard, among others, from attorneys for Democratic Associate Justice Allison Riggs, trailing Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin and the State Board of Elections, which last month dismissed Griffin’s demand that the ballots get removed from their race tally…. The panel did not indicate when it will rule following 90 minutes of oral arguments over whether Griffin’s efforts to remove the ballots should be heard in federal court or remain in state court." See also WRAL 1/27, NCNewsline 1/27, Raleigh News & Observer 1/27 here and here (latter is video of NC Dems protesting Griffin’s demands).
Spouses of NC Supreme Court justices gave maximum contributions to the GOP judicial candidate NCNewsline 1/31/25.
Fellow GOP judge is a top donor in Jefferson Griffin's legal fight WUNC 1/30/25 "Republican candidate Jefferson Griffin is getting [$5000] financial help from fellow Court of Appeals judge Tom Murry.... a former Republican state representative and newly elected judge on the state appeals court."
Griffin’s latest court filings [in NC state courts] raise number of suspected ‘never resident’ voters above 500 Carolina Journal 1/29/25 “The State Board of Elections and Riggs will respond in writing on Monday to Griffin's latest legal arguments. A Wake County Superior Court hearing in the case is scheduled Feb. 7.”
They Followed North Carolina Election Rules When They Cast Their Ballots. Now Their Votes Could Be Tossed Anyway. ProPublica 1/27/25 "A Republican judge is trying to overturn his election loss by challenging more than 60,000 ballots. These are some of those voters’ stories."
Democrats' missed opportunity PoliticsNC 1/24/25 "Republicans have muddied the waters on Griffin's attempt to steal the election." Contrasts misleading anti-Griffin ad run by GOP with lack of any ads run by Dems. See also ‘Stop this attack’: New ad features NC Republican challenging GOP-backed effort to toss ballots WRAL 1/24/25, and NCNewsline 1/24. Also Conservative voices join the outcry against Jefferson Griffin’s effort to overturn his election loss Cardinal & Pine 1/24/25 "a Republican causing several conservative voices to align with Democrats against them highlights just how unprecedented Griffin’s effort is."
Democrats and voting groups say a bid to toss out North Carolina ballots is an attack on democracy AP 1/25/25. See also NCNewsline 1/24.
Some N.C. Supreme Court Republicans Seem Willing to Overturn Griffin’s Defeat Assembly 1/24/25 "While the justices remanded the case to Wake County’s superior court on Wednesday, it’s likely to return."
North Carolina’s Republican Justices Signal Support for Overturning Democratic Judge’s Election Mother Jones 1/24/25 "Republicans in North Carolina are trying to resurrect Trump’s 2020 playbook."
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