Advocacy

The North Carolina General Assembly has released its proposed $20.6 billion budget agreement by the Senate and House of Representatives.  Here are some highlights from the K-12 education budget: Provides funding for additional school resource officers and funding for installation and maintenance of panic alarms ($9 million in recurring funds) Reduces funding for teacher assistants by 21% (reduction of $120 million in 2013-2014 and $110 million in 2014-2015) Provides funding for a new private school voucher program for families that meet the income requirements ($10 million) Provides funding to support the North Carolina Excellent Public Schools Act, an initiative that […]

Budget documents can be viewed via the General Assembly website. Link to money report:  http://www.ncleg.net/sessions/2013/budget/2013/SB402_Committee_Report_2013-07-21.pdf Budget bill:  http://www.ncleg.net/sessions/2013/budget/2013/S402-CCSLEx-4.pdf

House Bill 269 Children with Disabilities Scholarship Grants can be viewed via the following link: http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2013&BillID=H269

House and Senate leaders are expected to reach a budget deal this weekend and adjourn the long session by Wednesday or Thursday next week.

House Bill 250 Charter School Enrollment and Charter Provisions passed the General Assembly and is now on its way  to the Governor for consideration.  HB 250 allows charters to expand one grade per year without having to go before the Board of Education for permission.

Senate Bill 236 Counties Responsible for School Construction failed in the House Government Committee today and was referred to the House Rules Committee.

The House and Senate budget conferees continue to work on the state budget, but a compromise budget has yet to be agreed upon.  Though the state’s fiscal year began on July 1, the General Assembly adopted a continuing resolution that will keep the state government operating until July 31, 2013, when the continuing resolution expires.   If you have concerns about the proposed Senate and House state budgets, it is not too late to contact your state House representative and senator.   You can find information on your legislators via this link:  http://www.ncleg.net/representation/WhoRepresentsMe.aspx The following resource from the North Carolina

The School Bus Safety Act has passed both the House and Senate.  This bill, House 428, increases the criminal penalties for drivers who pass stopped school buses.

The House and Senate have passed different versions of House Bill 250, a bill that addresses charter school enrollment priorities and growth.   The versions of the bill can be found via the following link:  http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2013&BillID=H250 The House appointed a conference committee to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 250.   The House conference committee members are Rep. Hardister, Rep. Brandon, Rep. Stam, and Rep. Lambeth.

The Governor’s press conference can be viewed via the following link:  http://www.wral.com/news/state/nccapitol/video/12636839/#/vid12636839