MATT BOWLES

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Insko rolls out keg bill in state House

By MATT BOWLES | March 24

With support from the Chapel Hill Town Council, an N.C. legislator is taking the next step to establish a statewide registration system for beer kegs. Rep. Verla Insko, D-Orange, is the primary sponsor of a bill filed Monday in the House that would mandate the registration of kegs. “The approach that this bill takes is to require a purchase-transportation permit for kegs,” she said.

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Council approves $206 million debt

By MATT BOWLES | March 10

A borrowing package approved Tuesday that would fund new facilities for the UNC system has raised concern among some state officials, but experts say North Carolina’s credit rating remains sound. By a 5-2 vote, the Council of State authorized $206 million in borrowing to finance a new psychiatric hospital, prisons and various projects at UNC-system medical centers. Lew Borman, spokesman for Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, said projects such as UNC-Chapel Hill’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center deserve adequate financing.

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School funding case moves ahead

By MATT BOWLES | February 21

Students from poor school disctricts might find hope in the decision in a decade-old court case urging the state legislature to increase funding for low-wealth districts. Judge Howard Manning of the Wake County Superior Court met Tuesday with attorneys in the case, commonly known as Leandro. In 1994, a lawsuit was filed by families and school boards from Cumberland, Halifax, Hoke, Robeson and Vance counties, arguing that the state had not provided sufficient resources in those districts.

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Abortion coverage faces scrutiny

By MATT BOWLES | February 14

Some state senators are seeking to alter the state’s health care policy to prohibit its coverage of abortions, and while most say the measure isn’t likely to pass this year, it will receive serious consideration. The bill, filed Wednesday by Sen. Andrew Brock, R-Davie, would bar state employees from receiving benefits to finance abortion. Brock said the legislation would make exceptions for cases involving rape, incest or the life of the mother.

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Bill might raise legislators' pay

By MATT BOWLES | February 10

Some state legislators want more money to do their jobs, even as the state tries to head off a $1.3 billion deficit. A bill filed in the N.C. Senate would increase senators’ annual pay from $14,000 to $25,000. The General Assembly last approved an increase more than a decade ago. Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, D-Orange, said salaries should be increased because of the numerous obligations legislators are required to fulfill. Even though the position is considered part time, it is difficult for senators to maintain another job, she said.

MATT BOWLES

Insko rolls out keg bill in state House

Council approves $206 million debt

School funding case moves ahead

Abortion coverage faces scrutiny

Bill might raise legislators' pay

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