- While 3,100 hurricane survivors lack permanent homes, ReBuild NC employees earn big salaries (NC Newsline, 10/12/2023)
- A legislative oversight committee in North Carolina has criticized the state’s hurricane recovery program, ReBuild NC, for mismanagement and inefficiencies. The agency, tasked with helping hurricane survivors, has been under scrutiny for its wasteful spending of federal funds, including excessive salaries for top officials and ineffective programs. Despite intense scrutiny, ReBuild NC has faced no serious consequences, leaving more than 3,100 homeowners stuck in various phases of the recovery process, raising concerns about the agency’s mission and effectiveness.
- About 1,000 North Carolinians a day enroll in expanded Medicaid. Is that good? (NC Newsline, 2/7/2024)
- Around 1,000 people daily are enrolling in government health insurance through Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, with approximately 349,000 of the estimated 600,000 eligible individuals having enrolled since the program’s launch on December 1. State Senator Ralph Hise expressed concern about the seemingly slow initial push in enrollment, prompting discussions at two legislative oversight hearings about strategies to increase participation. The state aims to complete the two-year enrollment projection faster than anticipated, with the federal government covering 90% of the cost for those enrolled in expanded Medicaid.
- Outdated? Flash drives and government transparency (The Carolina Journal, 2/14/2024)
- The General Assembly in 2024 has moved away from copying committee hearings onto CDs, opting for flash drives instead, according to the legislative library staff. However, access to committee footage remains limited, requiring public members to contact the legislative library to retrieve past footage. Despite livestreaming House sessions on YouTube, committee footage is not readily available for replay, prompting calls for improved public access and transparency, especially for those unable to attend hearings in person or during working hours.
- Expert warns of ‘benefits cliff’ as North Carolina considers study of welfare program consolidation (The Carolina Journal, 4/2/2024)
- A joint legislative oversight committee heard expert testimony on the issue of benefits cliffs, where slight wage increases can lead families to lose public benefits, resulting in a net income loss. Lawmakers are considering a study bill on benefits cliffs and potentially consolidating welfare programs under the “One Door” policy. Solutions such as implementing transition periods for benefit losses could help families navigate these challenges and promote long-term economic advancement.
- Legislative investigation: ABSS violated state laws and its own policies in no-bid mold contracts (The Alamance News, 6/13/2024)
- The Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) is facing allegations that it violated state laws and its own policies by awarding no-bid contracts for mold remediation, according to a legislative investigation. The report by the Joint Legislative Commission on Government Operations suggests that the school system’s handling of mold issues and contract awards may have circumvented competitive bidding processes and transparency requirements. The investigation also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and lack of oversight in the contracting process.
- NC Innovation president testifies under oath to state lawmakers on group’s finances, oversight (WRAL News, 7/9/2024)
- NC Innovation president, Bennett Waters, testified before the North Carolina House Oversight Committee, defending the group’s mission to enhance the state’s competitiveness in the national ‘innovation arms race.’ The public-private partnership, backed by $500 million in state funding, aims to replicate the success of the Research Triangle Park in other cities with public universities across North Carolina. Despite criticism and calls for an audit from a board member, Waters assured the committee that the board has oversight over the management and that the professional staff is balancing the organization’s needs with board requests. The group has not yet used state funding for grants, relying instead on private donations and investment income. Some lawmakers expressed doubts about the program’s investment returns and the bypassing of the vetting process during budget negotiations.
