Lawmakers Start Short Session

Wednesday, May 16 2012 by Jessica Jones

Catherine Brand:  Lawmakers got off to a running start today as they began this summer's short legislative session. Jessica Jones reports from the state capitol.

Jessica Jones: It was a busy day at the General Assembly today, where members of the House and the Senate formally began what's known as the short session. It's generally expected to last six weeks, but Republican leaders say their goal is to finish sooner than that. House lawmakers introduced a bill to pay victims of the state's eugenics program 50 thousand dollars each for their pain and suffering. The sterilization program was disbanded in 1974. Meanwhile, legislators filed another measure that would provide more than 200 million dollars worth of funding for a gap in Medicaid funds. And Senator Bob Rucho is sponsoring a controversial bill filed today that would legalize natural gas fracking within two years, despite concerns among Republicans the bill goes too far. And a measure that would allow Las-Vegas style gaming on the Eastern Cherokee Indian reservation gained early approval in a committee.  Jessica Jones, North Carolina Public Radio, WUNC.

Edwards Defense Could Rest Soon

Wednesday, May 16 2012 by Jeff Tiberii

Eric Hodge: Today could mark the final day of testimony in the John Edwards trial. Jeff Tiberii reports from Greensboro.

Jeff Tiberii: Defense attorney’s have indicated that they could call Cate Edwards to the stand today. It’s also possible that Rielle Hunter or John Edwards will testify. But according to law experts there also is a potential that the defense will choose to rest its case instead of calling any of those three. The prosecution called 24 witnesses during 14 days of testimony. Today marks just the third day of witnesses for Edwards defense team. On Tuesday a former FEC chairman told the jury he had never considered a third party payment to another 3rd party to constitute a campaign finance violation. The defense contends that payments of hundreds of thousands of dollars from two wealthy donors that ended up with a former campaign aide are just that – third party payments. Edwards is charged with six counts of campaign finance violations and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Republican Governors Association Attacks Dalton In TV Ad

Tuesday, May 15 2012 by Gurnal Scott

Catherine Brand: The Republican Governor's Association is attacking Democratic gubernatorial candidate Walter Dalton in a new television ad. Gurnal Scott reports.

RGA Ad: Walter Dalton is Bev Perdue's right-hand man. Now Walter Dalton is running away from Perdue.

Gurnal Scott: The ad in part says Perdue and Dalton's policies are the reason for the state's high unemployment rate.

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Lawmakers Return To Raleigh

Tuesday, May 15 2012 by Jessica Jones

Catherine Brand: State lawmakers will return to Raleigh tomorrow to take up budget issues and other controversial measures. Jessica Jones reports from the state capitol.

Jessica Jones: The biggest item of business for lawmakers during this summer's short session is the state budget. Legislators are returning to adjust a 19.9 billion dollar budget. The governor is urging a 20.9 billion dollar budget proposal along with a sales tax increase. But Republican lawmakers in charge of both the House and the Senate have already dismissed that plan, saying they won't vote for any tax increases in the revised budget. Republican lawmakers are expected to release their budget after about a week. Democrats have accused them of working in secret without any outside input. Lawmakers are also expected to wrangle over an education plan released by the Senate that would eliminate tenure and reward effective teachers with bonuses and pay raises. Teachers' groups say the proposals will make it hard for low-performing districts to attract teachers.  Jessica Jones, North Carolina Public Radio, WUNC.

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