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NC Council of Churches

NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

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Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Trump, Business Values and H.B. 2

October 1, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Donald Trump may strike a populist, anti-big business note a la Bernie Sanders from time to time. But he also has a tendency to gloat over his own cutthroat business […]

Trump, Business Values and H.B. 2

October 1, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Donald Trump may strike a populist, anti-big business note a la Bernie Sanders from time to time. But he also has a tendency to gloat over his own cutthroat business […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Taxes

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

September 19, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Who can blame North Carolina’s restaurant and hotel operators for wishing the whole House Bill 2 controversy would just vanish into thin air, as if it had never existed? They’d […]

Proposed H.B. 2 Deal Falls Short

September 19, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Who can blame North Carolina’s restaurant and hotel operators for wishing the whole House Bill 2 controversy would just vanish into thin air, as if it had never existed? They’d […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Human Rights, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Bad Law vs. Big Games

September 17, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When ultra-visible organizations with major economic leverage press for political change, sometimes the right thing to do is to tell them to take the proverbial long walk off a short […]

Bad Law vs. Big Games

September 17, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When ultra-visible organizations with major economic leverage press for political change, sometimes the right thing to do is to tell them to take the proverbial long walk off a short […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, Good Government, Interfaith, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Religion & Society

Early Voting Draws Support

September 9, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The folks in North Carolina who want to make it harder rather than easier for people to vote – a category that features top officials of the state Republican Party […]

Early Voting Draws Support

September 9, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The folks in North Carolina who want to make it harder rather than easier for people to vote – a category that features top officials of the state Republican Party […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Race/Ethnicity

Election Maps Under Scrutiny

August 12, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republican Party developed a national strategy to seize and hold legislative power, and in North Carolina executed it with relentless precision. Six years into that process, however, the adverse […]

Election Maps Under Scrutiny

August 12, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republican Party developed a national strategy to seize and hold legislative power, and in North Carolina executed it with relentless precision. Six years into that process, however, the adverse […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Race/Ethnicity

Voting Rights, Redeemed

August 5, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Even for ardent voting rights advocates, there’s little comfort to be gained from a federal appeals court’s finding that the N.C. General Assembly engaged in a multifaceted scheme to discriminate […]

Voting Rights, Redeemed

August 5, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Even for ardent voting rights advocates, there’s little comfort to be gained from a federal appeals court’s finding that the N.C. General Assembly engaged in a multifaceted scheme to discriminate […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Race/Ethnicity

Governor in the Glare

July 29, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There was a time, back in the range of 2008, when Pat McCrory looked as though he probably would do a pretty good job if elected as North Carolina’s governor. […]

Governor in the Glare

July 29, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There was a time, back in the range of 2008, when Pat McCrory looked as though he probably would do a pretty good job if elected as North Carolina’s governor. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Gender, LGBTQ, Prophetic Voice

Scrambled Session’s Lows and Highs

July 10, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly’s 2016 regular session, which drew to a sudden close on July 1, will be remembered as much for what didn’t happen as for what did – […]

Scrambled Session’s Lows and Highs

July 10, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly’s 2016 regular session, which drew to a sudden close on July 1, will be remembered as much for what didn’t happen as for what did – […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Tax Cap’s Enduring Mischief

June 30, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Sorry for the sugar-coating, but the state Senate’s attempt to enshrine its preferred tax policies in North Carolina’s constitution is arrogant, presumptuous, wrongheaded and profoundly undemocratic. Who will be penalized […]

Tax Cap’s Enduring Mischief

June 30, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Sorry for the sugar-coating, but the state Senate’s attempt to enshrine its preferred tax policies in North Carolina’s constitution is arrogant, presumptuous, wrongheaded and profoundly undemocratic. Who will be penalized […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, State Budget, Taxes

Immigrants as Scapegoats — Again

June 26, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There wasn’t a lot to like about what occurred the other day in a state Senate committee. First, legislative rules – notoriously rubberized – were stretched to the point where […]

Immigrants as Scapegoats — Again

June 26, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There wasn’t a lot to like about what occurred the other day in a state Senate committee. First, legislative rules – notoriously rubberized – were stretched to the point where […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Good Government, Immigration

Beyond Pulse: Vigilance, Tolerance

June 17, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s face it. We, that would be all of us who proudly claim the title of American, must do more to forestall the situations and grievances and opportunities that can […]

Beyond Pulse: Vigilance, Tolerance

June 17, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s face it. We, that would be all of us who proudly claim the title of American, must do more to forestall the situations and grievances and opportunities that can […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Peace, Religion & Society

Budgeting that Tests our Values

June 3, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s assume the worst, which for the moment would mean that the N.C. Senate’s version of a new state budget sails through to enactment without change or compromise. The sun, […]

Budgeting that Tests our Values

June 3, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s assume the worst, which for the moment would mean that the N.C. Senate’s version of a new state budget sails through to enactment without change or compromise. The sun, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Interfaith, Living Wage, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song

May 26, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Well, did anyone really expect North Carolina’s General Assembly, in finalizing a new state budget, suddenly to see the light and swerve toward more effective, fairer government? The same General […]

Sour Notes, Again, in Budget Song

May 26, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Well, did anyone really expect North Carolina’s General Assembly, in finalizing a new state budget, suddenly to see the light and swerve toward more effective, fairer government? The same General […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

May 13, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Take heart, fair-minded North Carolinians. The state’s not-always-pristine but still vaguely operative image as a place where “the weak grow strong and the strong grow great” is in the process […]

Tar Heel Beacon of Tolerance

May 13, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Take heart, fair-minded North Carolinians. The state’s not-always-pristine but still vaguely operative image as a place where “the weak grow strong and the strong grow great” is in the process […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Elections, Good Government, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

nc voting rights

Voter Suppression Gets a Pass

April 29, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A federal judge’s ruling that upholds changes in North Carolina election laws, despite their effect of making it harder for some citizens to vote, seems to rest on his conclusion […]

Voter Suppression Gets a Pass

April 29, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

nc voting rights

A federal judge’s ruling that upholds changes in North Carolina election laws, despite their effect of making it harder for some citizens to vote, seems to rest on his conclusion […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Bathroom Drama’s Many Plots

April 21, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Here’s a funny thing about House Bill 2, the “bathroom bill” (now law) that’s causing North Carolina so much grief: The Charlotte ordinance that the General Assembly was in such […]

Bathroom Drama’s Many Plots

April 21, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Here’s a funny thing about House Bill 2, the “bathroom bill” (now law) that’s causing North Carolina so much grief: The Charlotte ordinance that the General Assembly was in such […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Gender, Good Government, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly

Beyond Bathrooms: Jobs, Fairness

April 13, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s House Bill 2 – rammed through the General Assembly and signed into law in less than half a day – manages to rope together a herd of provisions […]

Beyond Bathrooms: Jobs, Fairness

April 13, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s House Bill 2 – rammed through the General Assembly and signed into law in less than half a day – manages to rope together a herd of provisions […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, State Budget, Taxes

Hurtful Law Sends Signals

April 1, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Yes, it was a pretty neat trick — one bill that manages to expose many vulnerable North Carolinians to unfair, hurtful treatment, that threatens to put a dent in the […]

Hurtful Law Sends Signals

April 1, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Yes, it was a pretty neat trick — one bill that manages to expose many vulnerable North Carolinians to unfair, hurtful treatment, that threatens to put a dent in the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Trump’s Campaign of Us versus Them

March 21, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If Donald J. Trump successfully concludes his so-far-dominant push to become this year’s Republican presidential nominee, North Carolinians will have played a role. Some will view that role as a […]

Trump’s Campaign of Us versus Them

March 21, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If Donald J. Trump successfully concludes his so-far-dominant push to become this year’s Republican presidential nominee, North Carolinians will have played a role. Some will view that role as a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Elections, Immigration, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

District Challengers: ‘Oh, No, You Don’t!’ (Updated)

March 7, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

After a panel of federal judges threw out North Carolina’s congressional district map because it trampled the rights of African-American voters, the General Assembly followed orders and redrew the map. […]

District Challengers: ‘Oh, No, You Don’t!’ (Updated)

March 7, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

After a panel of federal judges threw out North Carolina’s congressional district map because it trampled the rights of African-American voters, the General Assembly followed orders and redrew the map. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

Legislators’ High-Court Switcheroo

February 29, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

After a five-year exercise in seeking to put a lasting stamp on North Carolina government and policy, the General Assembly’s majority Republicans have provoked a parade of lawsuits challenging a […]

Legislators’ High-Court Switcheroo

February 29, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

After a five-year exercise in seeking to put a lasting stamp on North Carolina government and policy, the General Assembly’s majority Republicans have provoked a parade of lawsuits challenging a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

District Drama Spotlights Power, Fairness

February 19, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly are determined to draw election-district boundaries favoring their party’s candidates and promoting their conservative agenda. But when Republican voters are outnumbered by […]

District Drama Spotlights Power, Fairness

February 19, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly are determined to draw election-district boundaries favoring their party’s candidates and promoting their conservative agenda. But when Republican voters are outnumbered by […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

Thumbs Down on Racial Gerrymanders

February 9, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With an eye toward the battles over redistricting that have roiled North Carolina politics for the last quarter-century, once again push is coming to shove. This time, the advantage lies […]

Thumbs Down on Racial Gerrymanders

February 9, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With an eye toward the battles over redistricting that have roiled North Carolina politics for the last quarter-century, once again push is coming to shove. This time, the advantage lies […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

Election Changes’ Telltale Timing

February 5, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was just one little comment, perhaps ventured with the flicker of a wry smile. But we can doubt that Tom Farr saw the humor in being ribbed by a […]

Election Changes’ Telltale Timing

February 5, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was just one little comment, perhaps ventured with the flicker of a wry smile. But we can doubt that Tom Farr saw the humor in being ribbed by a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Voter ID on Trial

January 29, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ongoing legal challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID rule, now playing out before a federal judge in Winston-Salem, could end up reminding us that it’s not the job of […]

Voter ID on Trial

January 29, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The ongoing legal challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID rule, now playing out before a federal judge in Winston-Salem, could end up reminding us that it’s not the job of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Race, Courts and Twisted Districts

January 9, 2016 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Few of the decisions made by the men and women of our General Assembly are so prone to self-serving, partisan abuse as the setting of boundaries for voting districts. When […]

Race, Courts and Twisted Districts

January 9, 2016 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Few of the decisions made by the men and women of our General Assembly are so prone to self-serving, partisan abuse as the setting of boundaries for voting districts. When […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

December 31, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For those of us who want to see North Carolina governed with the interests of all its residents in mind – not mainly the interests of the well-off and privileged […]

2015: Our Conservatives Weren’t Kidding

December 31, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For those of us who want to see North Carolina governed with the interests of all its residents in mind – not mainly the interests of the well-off and privileged […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster

December 14, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the game of bridge, when a trump card is played to win a trick, that’s known as a ruff. In the game of politics, when Donald Trump uses tricks […]

Trump’s Anti-Muslim Bluster

December 14, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In the game of bridge, when a trump card is played to win a trick, that’s known as a ruff. In the game of politics, when Donald Trump uses tricks […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Civil Liberties, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Immigration, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Doing Right by Syria’s Refugees

November 21, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Photo by I. Prickett, UNHCR Against the toxic brew of fear and political opportunism that has enveloped America’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis stand principles of compassion and common […]

Doing Right by Syria’s Refugees

November 21, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Photo by I. Prickett, UNHCR Against the toxic brew of fear and political opportunism that has enveloped America’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis stand principles of compassion and common […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Good Government, Immigration, Interfaith, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

UNC System’s New Sheriff

October 30, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The notably dapper Thom Goolsby, member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, made a mark of sorts with his put-down of the NAACP-led Moral Monday protest movement […]

UNC System’s New Sheriff

October 30, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The notably dapper Thom Goolsby, member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, made a mark of sorts with his put-down of the NAACP-led Moral Monday protest movement […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, Public Education

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

October 3, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The senators and representatives who make up North Carolina’s General Assembly let their 2015 session run on far longer than it should have. Let’s be glad that the curtain has […]

‘We stand adjourned’ – finally!

October 3, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The senators and representatives who make up North Carolina’s General Assembly let their 2015 session run on far longer than it should have. Let’s be glad that the curtain has […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Death Penalty, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Gun Violence, Healthcare Reform, Hunger, Immigration, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End

September 25, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

These closing weeks, or days, of the General Assembly’s session are sometimes known as the silly season, when weirdness is the watchword at the maze-like Legislative Building on Raleigh’s Jones […]

Power Plays, Surprises at Session’s End

September 25, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

These closing weeks, or days, of the General Assembly’s session are sometimes known as the silly season, when weirdness is the watchword at the maze-like Legislative Building on Raleigh’s Jones […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, N.C. General Assembly, State Budget, Taxes

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

September 17, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The proverbial elephant labored and, against all hopeful expectations, brought forth a mouse. The “elephants” who run the Republican-controlled General Assembly labored and now have brought forth, if not a […]

Budget Struggle’s Bitter End

September 17, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The proverbial elephant labored and, against all hopeful expectations, brought forth a mouse. The “elephants” who run the Republican-controlled General Assembly labored and now have brought forth, if not a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Health, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

The Odor Around the Lottery

September 5, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When North Carolina legislators by the narrowest of margins 10 years ago approved a state lottery, capping a long debate over the wisdom of state-sponsored gaming, they set aside warnings […]

The Odor Around the Lottery

September 5, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When North Carolina legislators by the narrowest of margins 10 years ago approved a state lottery, capping a long debate over the wisdom of state-sponsored gaming, they set aside warnings […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

Rule to Harass, or Punish, the Jobless

August 24, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Even while North Carolina was still in the grips of the Great Recession, with thousands of residents suffering the slings and arrows of joblessness because they were caught in the […]

Rule to Harass, or Punish, the Jobless

August 24, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Even while North Carolina was still in the grips of the Great Recession, with thousands of residents suffering the slings and arrows of joblessness because they were caught in the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict

August 21, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina has two legislative bodies, the 120-member House of Representatives and the 50-member Senate. They’re set up to be equal in power, although it could be said that the […]

Tale of Two Chambers Amid Budget Conflict

August 21, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina has two legislative bodies, the 120-member House of Representatives and the 50-member Senate. They’re set up to be equal in power, although it could be said that the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’

August 13, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its misguided “Taxpayer Protection Act” scheme, the state Senate looks to put a crowning touch on its efforts to turn North Carolina into a veritable Promised Land for conservatives, […]

Protect Us from the ‘Protection Act’

August 13, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its misguided “Taxpayer Protection Act” scheme, the state Senate looks to put a crowning touch on its efforts to turn North Carolina into a veritable Promised Land for conservatives, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Private School Vouchers, Lax Standards

August 1, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The principle of judicial restraint is a wonderful thing. It helps keep judges – as they go about their business of determining whether laws are constitutional – from horning in […]

Private School Vouchers, Lax Standards

August 1, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The principle of judicial restraint is a wonderful thing. It helps keep judges – as they go about their business of determining whether laws are constitutional – from horning in […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Tax Cuts, Tax Shifts, Budget Battles

July 24, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Don’t be surprised if, during the General Assembly’s closed-door negotiations to craft a new state budget, enterprising reporters manage to pry loose some of the juicy (or gory) details. Keeping […]

Tax Cuts, Tax Shifts, Budget Battles

July 24, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Don’t be surprised if, during the General Assembly’s closed-door negotiations to craft a new state budget, enterprising reporters manage to pry loose some of the juicy (or gory) details. Keeping […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly, State Budget, Taxes

Courtroom March for Voting Rights

July 20, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Republican legislators can hardly get around the fact that their 2013 overhaul of North Carolina election laws is likely to inconvenience some groups of voters more than others. For example: […]

Courtroom March for Voting Rights

July 20, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Republican legislators can hardly get around the fact that their 2013 overhaul of North Carolina election laws is likely to inconvenience some groups of voters more than others. For example: […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly

Conflicts over Policies, Power, Pride

July 9, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Regarding the state of affairs within the N.C. General Assembly these days, one little set of numbers tells a big story: 112-0. That was the margin by which the House […]

Conflicts over Policies, Power, Pride

July 9, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Regarding the state of affairs within the N.C. General Assembly these days, one little set of numbers tells a big story: 112-0. That was the margin by which the House […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Environment, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Voting Rights Sense, in a New Light

June 29, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Over and over, we heard North Carolina’s stringent voter identification law, enacted by the Republican-controlled legislature in 2013 over the protests of voting rights advocates, described as simply a “commonsense” […]

Voting Rights Sense, in a New Light

June 29, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Over and over, we heard North Carolina’s stringent voter identification law, enacted by the Republican-controlled legislature in 2013 over the protests of voting rights advocates, described as simply a “commonsense” […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston

June 23, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Their timing, as it turned out, was less than impeccable. The gun-rights boosters who are pushing N.C. House Bill 562 ran up against some common-sense objections that resulted in two main […]

Scrutiny for Gun Laws, Post-Charleston

June 23, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Their timing, as it turned out, was less than impeccable. The gun-rights boosters who are pushing N.C. House Bill 562 ran up against some common-sense objections that resulted in two main […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Gun Violence, N.C. General Assembly, Peace, Race/Ethnicity

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

June 14, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory tried to warn his fellow Republicans who call the tunes in the General Assembly. The rule of law was at stake, McCrory said, and the state would […]

Sad Signals on Tolerance, Rule of Law

June 14, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory tried to warn his fellow Republicans who call the tunes in the General Assembly. The rule of law was at stake, McCrory said, and the state would […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Human Rights, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly

Veto Overriders Flex Their Muscles

June 6, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s General Assembly has muddled through many undistinguished moments since conservative Republicans took charge four years ago. Now, with an ongoing cascade of wrongheaded decisions, it’s adding to that […]

Veto Overriders Flex Their Muscles

June 6, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s General Assembly has muddled through many undistinguished moments since conservative Republicans took charge four years ago. Now, with an ongoing cascade of wrongheaded decisions, it’s adding to that […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Domestic Violence, Gun Violence, N.C. General Assembly

Via Vetoes, McCrory Declares Independence

June 3, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Anticipation of an unpleasant event – gallows humorists usually cite the prospect of being hanged – is said to concentrate the mind. Although 17 months will pass before North Carolina […]

Via Vetoes, McCrory Declares Independence

June 3, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Anticipation of an unpleasant event – gallows humorists usually cite the prospect of being hanged – is said to concentrate the mind. Although 17 months will pass before North Carolina […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: N.C. General Assembly

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

May 28, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law […]

Bills Wink at Polluters, Abusers

May 28, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For a boatload of lofty, noble and wise sentiments, look no farther than the opening fanfares of Chapter 113A, Article 1, N.C. General Statutes. The reference is to a law […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Environment, Farmworkers, Food, Good Government, Health, N.C. General Assembly, Rural Life

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated

May 21, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s admit it – we were fooled. We never realized that the N.C. House of Representatives, with Republicans firmly in charge, was a nest of liberals. At least that must […]

Republican Budget makes Republicans Fume — Updated

May 21, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Let’s admit it – we were fooled. We never realized that the N.C. House of Representatives, with Republicans firmly in charge, was a nest of liberals. At least that must […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, State Budget, Taxes

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

May 16, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The rooster crowed. The sun came up. The rooster puffed his feathered chest as he beheld his magnificent handiwork. Phil Berger led the state Senate in cutting taxes. Revenues nudged […]

Revenue Boosts and Tax-cut Boasts

May 16, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The rooster crowed. The sun came up. The rooster puffed his feathered chest as he beheld his magnificent handiwork. Phil Berger led the state Senate in cutting taxes. Revenues nudged […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

May 7, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The last person to be put to death by the State of North Carolina – in other words, put to death on behalf of all of us who live here […]

When Lawmakers Itch to Execute

May 7, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The last person to be put to death by the State of North Carolina – in other words, put to death on behalf of all of us who live here […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Death Penalty, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Religion & Society

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing

April 30, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its self-imposed April 30 “crossover” deadline, the General Assembly can sidetrack bills that haven’t gained enough support to make them worth fussing with during the remainder of the legislative […]

At the Legislature, a Fateful Crossing

April 30, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With its self-imposed April 30 “crossover” deadline, the General Assembly can sidetrack bills that haven’t gained enough support to make them worth fussing with during the remainder of the legislative […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Death Penalty, Environment, Gun Violence, N.C. General Assembly

High Court’s Double-Take on Districts

April 23, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s certainly no guarantee that the U.S. Supreme Court, in sending North Carolina’s election district scheme back to the state Supreme Court for review, eventually will find that the General […]

High Court’s Double-Take on Districts

April 23, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s certainly no guarantee that the U.S. Supreme Court, in sending North Carolina’s election district scheme back to the state Supreme Court for review, eventually will find that the General […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, N.C. General Assembly

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

April 18, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar – its top-profile public event of the year – is meant to inform, and it’s meant to inspire. We’re not too bashful to say […]

Justice Advocates Convene for the Cause

April 18, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar – its top-profile public event of the year – is meant to inform, and it’s meant to inspire. We’re not too bashful to say […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Death Penalty, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, LGBTQ, Living Wage, N.C. General Assembly, Organized Labor, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear

April 11, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Since taking veto-proof control of the NC General Assembly in the elections of 2012, members of the Republican majority have labored diligently to fix what they’ve regarded as a broken […]

Tax Cuts’ Costs Becoming Clear

April 11, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Since taking veto-proof control of the NC General Assembly in the elections of 2012, members of the Republican majority have labored diligently to fix what they’ve regarded as a broken […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Taxes

North Carolina Redistricting on High Court’s Radar

April 2, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

“Racial gerrymandering strikes at the heart of our demo­cratic process, undermining the electorate’s confidence in its government as representative of a cohesive body politic in which all citizens are equal […]

North Carolina Redistricting on High Court’s Radar

April 2, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

“Racial gerrymandering strikes at the heart of our demo­cratic process, undermining the electorate’s confidence in its government as representative of a cohesive body politic in which all citizens are equal […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government

Medicaid Message Packs a Punch

March 27, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it an exercise in futility? Well, no. There may not be a chance in the world that the General Assembly’s Republican chiefs will let the latest proposal to expand […]

Medicaid Message Packs a Punch

March 27, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it an exercise in futility? Well, no. There may not be a chance in the world that the General Assembly’s Republican chiefs will let the latest proposal to expand […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights

Universities Take a Hit with Loss of Ross

March 20, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Photo by Dan Sears, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of North Carolina system’s Board of Governors, in telling system President Tom Ross in January that he […]

Universities Take a Hit with Loss of Ross

March 20, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Photo by Dan Sears, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of North Carolina system’s Board of Governors, in telling system President Tom Ross in January that he […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Public Education

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

March 16, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The mission of the NC Council of Churches extends into many areas that highlight the links between faith and public policies. And of the various events and activities sponsored by […]

Council Puts Hot Topics on the Table

March 16, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The mission of the NC Council of Churches extends into many areas that highlight the links between faith and public policies. And of the various events and activities sponsored by […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Council News, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Interfaith, LGBTQ, Living Wage, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget, Taxes

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

March 2, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s easy to imagine what the conservative Republicans who rule North Carolina’s legislative roost were thinking: “Here we’ve gone to all the trouble to take control of the General Assembly. […]

Doomed UNC Centers Sang the Wrong Songs

March 2, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s easy to imagine what the conservative Republicans who rule North Carolina’s legislative roost were thinking: “Here we’ve gone to all the trouble to take control of the General Assembly. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission

February 22, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

One can say this about UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gene Nichol without fear of contradiction: He doesn’t seem to know when to keep his mouth shut or his keyboard quiet. Good for […]

Time to Uphold UNC’s Anti-Poverty Mission

February 22, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

One can say this about UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gene Nichol without fear of contradiction: He doesn’t seem to know when to keep his mouth shut or his keyboard quiet. Good for […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education

Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link

February 16, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The scheme ordered up by the conservatives who hold power in the NC General Assembly to assign a single letter grade to each of the state’s public schools – ostensibly […]

Grading the Schools: The Poverty Link

February 16, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The scheme ordered up by the conservatives who hold power in the NC General Assembly to assign a single letter grade to each of the state’s public schools – ostensibly […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

District Lines Entangle Race, Politics

January 6, 2015 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who rule North Carolina’s General Assembly start the new year riding tall in the saddle – and yes, we can imagine GOP legislators tipping their Stetsons to salute […]

District Lines Entangle Race, Politics

January 6, 2015 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who rule North Carolina’s General Assembly start the new year riding tall in the saddle – and yes, we can imagine GOP legislators tipping their Stetsons to salute […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

So Long, 2014: It Wasn’t all Pretty!

December 29, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Of the many decisions and activities that unfold in the arena of public affairs, the ones that tend to show up on the NC Council of Churches’ radar are those […]

So Long, 2014: It Wasn’t all Pretty!

December 29, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Of the many decisions and activities that unfold in the arena of public affairs, the ones that tend to show up on the NC Council of Churches’ radar are those […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, Living Wage, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, State Budget, Taxes

Keep the Light Shining on CIA Conduct

December 11, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps you can fight fire with fire, but you can’t – or shouldn’t – attempt to fight terrorism with terror. That’s an ultimate takeaway from the U.S. Senate report detailing […]

Keep the Light Shining on CIA Conduct

December 11, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps you can fight fire with fire, but you can’t – or shouldn’t – attempt to fight terrorism with terror. That’s an ultimate takeaway from the U.S. Senate report detailing […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Good Government, Human Rights, Peace

Election Explanations as the Dust Settles

December 6, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new U.S. senator-in-waiting, state House Speaker Thom Tillis, had what appears to have been the closest scrape among winning Republican Senate candidates in last month’s election. Tillis defeated […]

Election Explanations as the Dust Settles

December 6, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new U.S. senator-in-waiting, state House Speaker Thom Tillis, had what appears to have been the closest scrape among winning Republican Senate candidates in last month’s election. Tillis defeated […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections

Expand Medicaid? Now’s the time

November 16, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The decision last year by the conservatives who control North Carolina’s state government not to expand the state’s Medicaid program has left an estimated half-million residents out in the cold […]

Expand Medicaid? Now’s the time

November 16, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The decision last year by the conservatives who control North Carolina’s state government not to expand the state’s Medicaid program has left an estimated half-million residents out in the cold […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Health, Healthcare Reform, Mental Health, N.C. General Assembly

Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads

November 8, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no getting around the fact that when North Carolinians went to the polls on Nov. 5, they gave a thumbs-up to the conservatives who’ve been in charge at the […]

Conservatives, Riding High, Can Heed Cooler Heads

November 8, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s no getting around the fact that when North Carolinians went to the polls on Nov. 5, they gave a thumbs-up to the conservatives who’ve been in charge at the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Elections, Environment, Good Government, Immigration, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Taxes

Judgeships Crowd Ballot with Bubbles

October 24, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For people who enjoy voting, North Carolina’s upcoming election promises to be a real treat. Federal, state and local offices are on the ballot. There’s no more straight-ticket voting for […]

Judgeships Crowd Ballot with Bubbles

October 24, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For people who enjoy voting, North Carolina’s upcoming election promises to be a real treat. Federal, state and local offices are on the ballot. There’s no more straight-ticket voting for […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Elections

Voter Suppression Highlighted From on High

October 15, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When thorny constitutional issues are being hashed out in the courts, it’s a fact of life that the show isn’t necessarily over until SCOTUS sings, or declines to sing. The […]

Voter Suppression Highlighted From on High

October 15, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When thorny constitutional issues are being hashed out in the courts, it’s a fact of life that the show isn’t necessarily over until SCOTUS sings, or declines to sing. The […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Race/Ethnicity

Judges Give ‘The Full Bill’ Thumbs-Down

October 4, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

October 9, 2014 Update: On October 8, the US Supreme Court handed down the final word about voting for this fall’s elections in North Carolina. It upheld the District Court’s […]

Judges Give ‘The Full Bill’ Thumbs-Down

October 4, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

October 9, 2014 Update: On October 8, the US Supreme Court handed down the final word about voting for this fall’s elections in North Carolina. It upheld the District Court’s […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Race/Ethnicity

Where to Go for Voting Info

September 30, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps the N.C. chapter of Americans for Prosperity was just trying to be helpful when it mailed out a bunch of “official application forms” to prospective voters. Thanks a lot, […]

Where to Go for Voting Info

September 30, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps the N.C. chapter of Americans for Prosperity was just trying to be helpful when it mailed out a bunch of “official application forms” to prospective voters. Thanks a lot, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By

September 24, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s upcoming general election – Election Day is Nov. 4 – will be the first held under a revamped set of rules making it less convenient for some citizens […]

Judges Ponder Rules to Vote By

September 24, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s upcoming general election – Election Day is Nov. 4 – will be the first held under a revamped set of rules making it less convenient for some citizens […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Religion & Society

An Election-Year Call to Faith Leaders

September 15, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Our time to choose North Carolina’s 2014 general election will be held on Tuesday, November 4. Although this is an “off-year” election, without contests for president or governor, many important […]

An Election-Year Call to Faith Leaders

September 15, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Our time to choose North Carolina’s 2014 general election will be held on Tuesday, November 4. Although this is an “off-year” election, without contests for president or governor, many important […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections

Power Surge Hits Streams, Constitution

August 21, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly during its 2014 session – a session so rife with disputes among the majority Republicans that it smoldered on and on – has left many sour […]

Power Surge Hits Streams, Constitution

August 21, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly during its 2014 session – a session so rife with disputes among the majority Republicans that it smoldered on and on – has left many sour […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Environment, Public Education, Taxes

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

August 5, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The debate is familiar: State government is too big. No, it’s too small. People in the too-big camp typically think government – the state agencies and institutions that North Carolinians […]

Revenue-starved Budget Rattles and Rolls

August 5, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The debate is familiar: State government is too big. No, it’s too small. People in the too-big camp typically think government – the state agencies and institutions that North Carolinians […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

July 29, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below […]

Warning Signs in Budget ‘Deal’

July 29, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE: After this blog was posted, the final budget was unveiled and passed by the House and Senate. The large reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates mentioned in the blog below […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Aging, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, N.C. General Assembly, People with Disabilities, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Capital Clash over Education, Health

July 15, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators faced with vexing conflicts over a new state budget spent a solid week pawing and snorting at each other without a lot of movement on the main […]

Capital Clash over Education, Health

July 15, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators faced with vexing conflicts over a new state budget spent a solid week pawing and snorting at each other without a lot of movement on the main […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Twists, Turns on Teacher Pay

July 8, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If this year’s session of the N.C. General Assembly were a work of drama for stage or screen, the plot would be coming to a head. And we in the […]

Twists, Turns on Teacher Pay

July 8, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If this year’s session of the N.C. General Assembly were a work of drama for stage or screen, the plot would be coming to a head. And we in the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Public Education

Cy King’s Noble Example

July 3, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Cyrus Baldwin King, a gentle spirit with an iron resolve, was a hero of North Carolina’s peace and justice movement. The Council of Churches is honored to join in the […]

Cy King’s Noble Example

July 3, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Cyrus Baldwin King, a gentle spirit with an iron resolve, was a hero of North Carolina’s peace and justice movement. The Council of Churches is honored to join in the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Equality & Reconciliation, Peace, Prophetic Voice, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

June 26, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With one final gathering that on June 25 drew more than 1,000 people to the heart of North Carolina’s state government, the NC NAACP and its allies say they have concluded […]

Protesters’ Last ‘Salute’ as Legislators Wrangle

June 26, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With one final gathering that on June 25 drew more than 1,000 people to the heart of North Carolina’s state government, the NC NAACP and its allies say they have concluded […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, N.C. General Assembly, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, State Budget

Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity

June 20, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The NC Council of Churches aims to exert a positive influence on public policies that have implications for what is commonly known as social justice. What this often boils down […]

Council Spotlights Education, Opportunity

June 20, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The NC Council of Churches aims to exert a positive influence on public policies that have implications for what is commonly known as social justice. What this often boils down […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society, State Budget

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

June 13, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

First it was Gov. Pat McCrory who tried to fashion a state budget giving teachers a badly needed raise while hamstrung by large tax cuts. Then the N.C. Senate took […]

Choices, Conflicts Amid Budget Squeeze

June 13, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

First it was Gov. Pat McCrory who tried to fashion a state budget giving teachers a badly needed raise while hamstrung by large tax cuts. Then the N.C. Senate took […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Taxes

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

June 6, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For most North Carolinians, the myriad choices that comprise the state budget may affect the quality of their children’s education, or whether their favorite state park is kept in good […]

Health Crunch for the Vulnerable

June 6, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

For most North Carolinians, the myriad choices that comprise the state budget may affect the quality of their children’s education, or whether their favorite state park is kept in good […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, Health, N.C. General Assembly, People with Disabilities, Public Education, State Budget

Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through

May 31, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much for the leaders of the North Carolina Senate and House: When they make up their minds on a course of action, they don’t mess around. The General […]

Senate Budget, Fracking Roar Through

May 31, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much for the leaders of the North Carolina Senate and House: When they make up their minds on a course of action, they don’t mess around. The General […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Environment, Health, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

Fracking and “Reform”: Senate’s Shaky Start

May 24, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina Senate could have gotten its 2014 session under way with a show of resolve to repair some of the damage from last year’s debacle. Just as one […]

Fracking and “Reform”: Senate’s Shaky Start

May 24, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina Senate could have gotten its 2014 session under way with a show of resolve to repair some of the damage from last year’s debacle. Just as one […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Environment, Fracking, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes

May 20, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If a session of the NC General Assembly can be compared to an opera — comedy, farce or tragedy yet to be determined – then the governor’s recommended budget might […]

Tax Cuts’ Sour Notes

May 20, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If a session of the NC General Assembly can be compared to an opera — comedy, farce or tragedy yet to be determined – then the governor’s recommended budget might […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget, Taxes

Looming Battles Over the Schools

May 15, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators may think they have their hands full trying to defuse the hot political issue of the moment – the state’s woeful pay levels for its public school […]

Looming Battles Over the Schools

May 15, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators may think they have their hands full trying to defuse the hot political issue of the moment – the state’s woeful pay levels for its public school […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Buckle Up – Here Comes the Legislature

May 10, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The motto of North Carolina’s General Assembly during the past few years could well have been something like “Never a dull moment!” That’s especially been the case as the economy […]

Buckle Up – Here Comes the Legislature

May 10, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The motto of North Carolina’s General Assembly during the past few years could well have been something like “Never a dull moment!” That’s especially been the case as the economy […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Moral Mondays, N.C. General Assembly, Taxes

Education Events on Tap

April 30, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The turmoil in North Carolina’s public schools, caused by budget cuts and ill-advised policy choices, has gotten people’s attention. On Saturday, May 3, there’ll be an opportunity to take a […]

Education Events on Tap

April 30, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The turmoil in North Carolina’s public schools, caused by budget cuts and ill-advised policy choices, has gotten people’s attention. On Saturday, May 3, there’ll be an opportunity to take a […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Teachers Feel the Strain

April 25, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s public school classrooms these days seem to be running short of happy campers where they’re most needed — among the teachers whose noble job it is to lead […]

Teachers Feel the Strain

April 25, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s public school classrooms these days seem to be running short of happy campers where they’re most needed — among the teachers whose noble job it is to lead […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith

April 15, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the line to check in at a church-sponsored conference on a beautiful Saturday morning in April stretches out the door, it’s a sign that the event has generated an […]

Lutherans Sponsor Conference to Ponder Justice and Faith

April 15, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the line to check in at a church-sponsored conference on a beautiful Saturday morning in April stretches out the door, it’s a sign that the event has generated an […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Children & Youth, Christian Unity, Civil Discourse, Economic Justice, Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Moral Mondays, Prophetic Voice, Public Education, Religion & Society, State Budget

Deadline for Voters — April 11

April 9, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s an election in the offing, and over the next few weeks candidates and their allies will be ramping up the rhetoric. North Carolinians settling in to watch some television […]

Deadline for Voters — April 11

April 9, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There’s an election in the offing, and over the next few weeks candidates and their allies will be ramping up the rhetoric. North Carolinians settling in to watch some television […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Scrambling for the Bench

April 8, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Are judges politicians? And why – even in a state such as North Carolina, where judges are elected by the public – does the concept of judges who also function as […]

Scrambling for the Bench

April 8, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Are judges politicians? And why – even in a state such as North Carolina, where judges are elected by the public – does the concept of judges who also function as […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, N.C. General Assembly

Out of the Ashes – Creation Care?

March 25, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Living in harmony with the world of nature has never been all that simple for us humans. One could say that the reported misadventures of a couple of folks named […]

Out of the Ashes – Creation Care?

March 25, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Living in harmony with the world of nature has never been all that simple for us humans. One could say that the reported misadventures of a couple of folks named […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured Tagged With: Environment, N.C. General Assembly

Crossroads for Teacher Pay

March 17, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The gory details are right there, laid out in columns of cold hard data compiled by the National Education Association. Each year, the national teachers’ group provides a comprehensive, state-by-state […]

Crossroads for Teacher Pay

March 17, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The gory details are right there, laid out in columns of cold hard data compiled by the National Education Association. Each year, the national teachers’ group provides a comprehensive, state-by-state […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Public Education

Teacher Pay: Leaping, then Looking

March 9, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

He hasn’t put it quite this way, but what Gov. Pat McCrory seems to be saying – and who among us hasn’t offered the same excuse? – is that it […]

Teacher Pay: Leaping, then Looking

March 9, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

He hasn’t put it quite this way, but what Gov. Pat McCrory seems to be saying – and who among us hasn’t offered the same excuse? – is that it […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education

Those Who Do Without – From Our Social Justice Study for Lent

March 7, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In recognition of our faithful call and of this time in history, the Council’s annual Lenten guide focuses on poverty and the ways we can respond to our sisters and […]

Those Who Do Without – From Our Social Justice Study for Lent

March 7, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In recognition of our faithful call and of this time in history, the Council’s annual Lenten guide focuses on poverty and the ways we can respond to our sisters and […]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Economic Justice, Worship

Two Churches Talk About Race

February 26, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A newcomer to Raleigh sooner or later comes up against a riddle: How can the city have two First Baptist Churches? Here’s a non-surprise: The answer is rooted in the […]

Two Churches Talk About Race

February 26, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A newcomer to Raleigh sooner or later comes up against a riddle: How can the city have two First Baptist Churches? Here’s a non-surprise: The answer is rooted in the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Equality & Reconciliation, Race/Ethnicity, Religion & Society

Election Law’s Racial Twist

February 24, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s easy to imagine the response from legislative leaders to a new scholarly look at the impacts of North Carolina’s recent election law changes: “Get over it!” Those same Republican […]

Election Law’s Racial Twist

February 24, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s easy to imagine the response from legislative leaders to a new scholarly look at the impacts of North Carolina’s recent election law changes: “Get over it!” Those same Republican […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Race/Ethnicity

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