Politics

While Berger is potentially chasing Trump’s approval, North Carolina is still without a state budget, three months into the fiscal year, and after missing a critical Medicaid funding deadline. Despite controlling both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly, Republicans still have not passed a comprehensive budget, threatening more than a billion dollars in federal funding, health care access, teacher pay raises, and Hurricane Helene recovery aid for small businesses.

North Carolina currently sits as one of the only two states in the nation operating without a current state budget. The last state budget lawmakers created was set to run out in July, and since that deadline, lawmakers have only been successful in passing a reduced or “mini” budget that funds certain priorities. Though Stein signed the legislation in early August, he called it a “Band-Aid budget,” saying it falls short of what’s needed and fails to meet the needs of the people of North Carolina.

Advocates and Democrats have condemned state Republicans for their “political gamesmanship”, as the crime bill attempts to tackle safety concerns without addressing the underlying factors. Earlier in September, Democratic lawmakers called for a proposal that increases funding to public safety personnel, including police officers, as well as provides new investments to the mental health system.

Whatley, a longtime D.C. insider and former Big Oil lobbyist, held his kickoff event in the nation’s capital with wealthy donors and special interests — a move his critics say underscores where his priorities lie. Murdock and Graybill argue that while Whatley courts billionaires, North Carolinians are left to deal with the consequences of his record and policies.