A Busy Day at the NC Statehouse

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Credit Jim Bowen

NC Capital in Raleigh

  There was a lot of activity at the statehouse in Raleigh today! Here's a quick roundup of actions reported during All Things Considered tonight:

• Unemployment Overhaul: Senators gave tentative approval to the House-passed measure that would cut maximum weekly benefits by 1/3 and increase business taxes. The goal is to pay back the $2.5 billion dollars NC owes the federal government for unemployment benefits. A final vote is expected Wednesday in the Senate, and if approved, it will go to Governor Pat McCrory, who has indicated his support.
• Eminent Domain: Representatives approved a bill to let voters decide whether restrictions on eminent domain authority should be in the state constitution. The bill now heads to the Senate.
• Healthcare Reform: a House committee approved a measure to block Medicaid expansion and opposing a state role in the health benefit exchange helping the uninsured find coverage. The measure was approved by the Senate last week.
• Budget subcommittees began meeting today, and aim to complete a two-year budget for the state by mid-June.
• Funerals: House members unanimously passed a bill increasing criminal penalties for disrupting funeral or memorial services. The bill now goes to the Senate.