RALEIGH – It’s a good thing state legislators might get a second chance to craft a budget for public education in North Carolina over the next two years. Because the $24 billion budget they put together for 2019-21 – and that Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed Friday – falls far short of what’s needed to retain… READ MORE

RALEIGH – At a time when demands for an educated workforce are only growing, the proposed 2019-21 budget the state Senate adopted last week reaffirms the Senate’s tendency to under invest in higher education. Senate leaders made great fanfare out of giving state employees a 5% raise over two years – yet inexplicably, they left out… READ MORE

MANTEO – The dedication recently of the new Marc Basnight Bridge over Oregon Inlet1 brings to mind the visionary former state Senate leader’s passion not just for the Outer Banks, but for higher education. Partly because he didn’t go to college himself and considered it a shortcoming, Basnight became an ardent supporter of the University… READ MORE

RALEIGH – Given population growth, demand for better-educated workers and a mounting maintenance backlog, construction needs for education in North Carolina are enormous. And bonds are the most reliable way to start addressing those needs. So far this year, state leaders have made three competing proposals to build education capacity: The state House approved a… READ MORE

By David Rice Executive Director RALEIGH (Feb. 8, 2019) – We lost a prince Wednesday night. When you work with someone for seven years, you tend to learn their flaws, their foibles, their failings. Yet I simply can’t think of anything negative to say about John McMillan. John’s achievements were manifold: He served as counsel… READ MORE