ACLU Takes New Legal Action On HB2
The North Carolina ACLU and others are asking federal courts to stop the enforcement of House Bill 2.
The plaintiffs filed a motion for injunction against the state until the courts can decide whether or not HB2 is constitutional. The move is part of the ACLU's earlier lawsuit, which targets the “bathroom provision” of the law.
This is just the latest step in what's shaping up to be a long legal battle over House Bill 2.
The state has until June 9th to respond, after which a judge will rule on the injunction.
Greensboro Commission Says HB2 Causing Financial Losses
The city commission in charge of the Greensboro Coliseum says the city and the entertainment complex are suffering because of House Bill 2.
The War Memorial Commission has written a letter to Governor Pat McCrory saying the passage of HB2 is creating “economic difficulties of unprecedented proportions.”
The letter says the city is suffering economically from the loss of job opportunities for the travel, labor and recreation industries.
Bruce Springsteen, Boston and Cirque Du Soleil are among the performers that have cancelled appearances in Greensboro in protest of the bill.
The letter asks McCrory to reverse his support for HB2.
House Plan Includes Permanent Raises For Most State Workers
Most North Carolina teachers and state employees would get permanent pay increases in the budget bill House members want to pass this week.
House Republicans released Monday night their entire spending plan for the next fiscal year after talking behind closed doors for several hours. The $22.2 billion measure adjusts the second year of the current two-year budget.
Rank-and-file state workers would get average two percent raises and $500 bonuses. Teachers would get 4.1 percent raises on average, although early-career teachers would receive $1,000 bonuses only.
Mecklenburg County Republican Scott Stone Joins NC House
The North Carolina House is back to full force at 120 members with the swearing-in of Mecklenburg County Republican Scott Stone to replace former Rep. Jacqueline Schaffer.
Stone took the oath of office Monday evening in the House chamber.
Mecklenburg County GOP activists chose Stone earlier this month to fill out the two-year term of Schaffer, who resigned last month just before the annual work session began. Gov. Pat McCrory appointed him late last week.
Ben & Jerry Push To Register Voters In North Carolina
Ice cream innovators Ben & Jerry are in North Carolina to launch a drive to increase voter registration and participation.
Ben & Jerry's co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield are visiting North Carolina Central University in Durham on Tuesday to launch a national campaign that includes a new ice cream flavor.
The liberal former entrepreneurs are working with the North Carolina NAACP and others in an effort to promote the importance of Congress reauthorizing the Voting Rights Act and working to remove the influence of big money in politics.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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