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Raleigh Report

Raleigh Report is a regular newsletter offering extensive legislative information from the NC Council of Churches. Click here to subscribe.

Veto Showdowns and Voter ID

January 19, 2023 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly gathered on Jan. 11 amid trappings of ceremony and good cheer to kick off its 2023 session. Then reality reared its head: At least in the […]

Veto Showdowns and Voter ID

January 19, 2023 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. General Assembly gathered on Jan. 11 amid trappings of ceremony and good cheer to kick off its 2023 session. Then reality reared its head: At least in the […]

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

High court faces school funds switcheroo

November 14, 2022 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. Supreme Court – or at least a slim majority of its members – invoked its solemn duty to uphold constitutional rights when it agreed in a Nov. 4 […]

High court faces school funds switcheroo

November 14, 2022 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The N.C. Supreme Court – or at least a slim majority of its members – invoked its solemn duty to uphold constitutional rights when it agreed in a Nov. 4 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

Who decides on ‘sound basic’ spending? Stay tuned

August 11, 2022 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Like it or not – and there are plenty of reasons to worry amid the familiar end-of-summer bursts of excitement – another school year will soon get under way. The […]

Who decides on ‘sound basic’ spending? Stay tuned

August 11, 2022 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Like it or not – and there are plenty of reasons to worry amid the familiar end-of-summer bursts of excitement – another school year will soon get under way. The […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

‘Independent’ legislature: Fair elections at risk

July 5, 2022 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The U.S. Supreme Court, as if rushing to settle old grievances, in recent weeks has thrashed about in a virtual frenzy of “originalism” – never mind the consequences for America’s […]

‘Independent’ legislature: Fair elections at risk

July 5, 2022 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The U.S. Supreme Court, as if rushing to settle old grievances, in recent weeks has thrashed about in a virtual frenzy of “originalism” – never mind the consequences for America’s […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Policy, Voting Rights

School Spending, Quality at Stake

April 11, 2022 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The colossal dispute over the proper financing of North Carolina’s public schools that has played out over 28 years is heading to a showdown before the state Supreme Court – […]

School Spending, Quality at Stake

April 11, 2022 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The colossal dispute over the proper financing of North Carolina’s public schools that has played out over 28 years is heading to a showdown before the state Supreme Court – […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

Paid Leave Can Help Make Us Well

March 9, 2022 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

This Raleigh Report was written by Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, in collaboration with Matt Rossi, Duke Divinity School intern. The past two years have revealed not only how vulnerable we […]

Paid Leave Can Help Make Us Well

March 9, 2022 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

This Raleigh Report was written by Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, in collaboration with Matt Rossi, Duke Divinity School intern. The past two years have revealed not only how vulnerable we […]

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

Map Showdown: Rights on the Line

March 1, 2022 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Four months after the N.C. General Assembly enacted a new alignment of the districts in which our state’s congressional representatives are chosen, the gavel has come down: That district map […]

Map Showdown: Rights on the Line

March 1, 2022 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Four months after the N.C. General Assembly enacted a new alignment of the districts in which our state’s congressional representatives are chosen, the gavel has come down: That district map […]

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

Decision points on districts, schools

January 24, 2022 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Among all the issues and challenges confronting North Carolina as 2022 gets under way – overcoming the pandemic, easing rural poverty, alleviating environmental threats, improving access to health care, on […]

Decision points on districts, schools

January 24, 2022 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Among all the issues and challenges confronting North Carolina as 2022 gets under way – overcoming the pandemic, easing rural poverty, alleviating environmental threats, improving access to health care, on […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education, Redistricting

Now at stake: money, schools, power

October 26, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Here in the last week of October, almost four months after a new state budget was supposed to have been in place and with multiple plot-lines coming to a head, […]

Now at stake: money, schools, power

October 26, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Here in the last week of October, almost four months after a new state budget was supposed to have been in place and with multiple plot-lines coming to a head, […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Push, shove on public school spending

September 10, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A momentous clash between North Carolina’s General Assembly and the state’s judicial system looks to be coming to a head. At stake is the ability of the state’s public schools […]

Push, shove on public school spending

September 10, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A momentous clash between North Carolina’s General Assembly and the state’s judicial system looks to be coming to a head. At stake is the ability of the state’s public schools […]

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

Democracy Fights Infections

August 6, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The coronavirus – now rekindled in a “pandemic of the unvaccinated” – is forcing us yet again to adjust our daily routines and recalibrate our expectations of normalcy. Even people […]

Democracy Fights Infections

August 6, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The coronavirus – now rekindled in a “pandemic of the unvaccinated” – is forcing us yet again to adjust our daily routines and recalibrate our expectations of normalcy. Even people […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Sad Twists on Election Integrity

June 11, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators – offering what amounts to a snappy salute in the direction of Mar-a-Lago – are well on their way toward fixing an election law that’s anything but […]

Sad Twists on Election Integrity

June 11, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina legislators – offering what amounts to a snappy salute in the direction of Mar-a-Lago – are well on their way toward fixing an election law that’s anything but […]

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

Now in play: Pro-voter pushback

April 5, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much, at least, for those legislators who favor making it easier, not harder, for North Carolinians to vote: They’re not ready to surrender to their vote-suppressing foes. Even […]

Now in play: Pro-voter pushback

April 5, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Say this much, at least, for those legislators who favor making it easier, not harder, for North Carolinians to vote: They’re not ready to surrender to their vote-suppressing foes. Even […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Politicians’ fear: Too many votes

March 24, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With Republican lawmakers throughout the land making “election integrity” a favorite cause and rallying cry, it likely was just a matter of time before some of their North Carolina counterparts […]

Politicians’ fear: Too many votes

March 24, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With Republican lawmakers throughout the land making “election integrity” a favorite cause and rallying cry, it likely was just a matter of time before some of their North Carolina counterparts […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Elections, Good Government, Voter ID

‘For the People’ – or for whom?

March 11, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When an ambitious bill designated as H.R. 1 was approved by the newly empowered Democratic majority in the U.S. House of Representatives back on March 8, 2019, perhaps a fitting […]

‘For the People’ – or for whom?

March 11, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When an ambitious bill designated as H.R. 1 was approved by the newly empowered Democratic majority in the U.S. House of Representatives back on March 8, 2019, perhaps a fitting […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, Redistricting, Voter ID

‘Stop the Steal’ after-effect – voter suppression?

February 25, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps it’s the pandemic that offers a fitting analogy to the condition of our politics as Americans try to recover from the trauma of Jan. 6 – when we came […]

‘Stop the Steal’ after-effect – voter suppression?

February 25, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps it’s the pandemic that offers a fitting analogy to the condition of our politics as Americans try to recover from the trauma of Jan. 6 – when we came […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

The fraud that was election fraud

January 13, 2021 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The United States Congress, a week after the nation’s Capitol was overrun by a violent mob while lawmakers were carrying out one of their paramount duties, now faces a paramount […]

The fraud that was election fraud

January 13, 2021 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The United States Congress, a week after the nation’s Capitol was overrun by a violent mob while lawmakers were carrying out one of their paramount duties, now faces a paramount […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Hard year’s signposts in quest for justice

December 30, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Even for those of us who found a measure of joy during the year whose end we now mark – taking delight from a child’s birth, perhaps, or from a […]

Hard year’s signposts in quest for justice

December 30, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Even for those of us who found a measure of joy during the year whose end we now mark – taking delight from a child’s birth, perhaps, or from a […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Voters met the challenge. Now, ‘ID, please?’

December 10, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As Americans soldier on amidst their ill-fated 2020 stress test, there is inspiration to be found. Our democracy’s guardrails as enshrined in the Constitution may have been battered by a […]

Voters met the challenge. Now, ‘ID, please?’

December 10, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As Americans soldier on amidst their ill-fated 2020 stress test, there is inspiration to be found. Our democracy’s guardrails as enshrined in the Constitution may have been battered by a […]

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

Raise the Wage

November 23, 2020 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

My faith tradition professes that our worth is in our faces because our faces look like God’s face. We are created in the Image of God, making each human face […]

Raise the Wage

November 23, 2020 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

My faith tradition professes that our worth is in our faces because our faces look like God’s face. We are created in the Image of God, making each human face […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Living Wage

Face it: Trump, allies owned N.C.

November 12, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolinians who stood against our soon-to-be ex-president’s rancid politics of grievance, contempt and division, fueled by a gusher of falsehoods, are heartened by the nation’s clear choice of Joseph […]

Face it: Trump, allies owned N.C.

November 12, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolinians who stood against our soon-to-be ex-president’s rancid politics of grievance, contempt and division, fueled by a gusher of falsehoods, are heartened by the nation’s clear choice of Joseph […]

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

Election Machinery in High Gear

October 22, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With North Carolinians on track to cast eye-popping numbers of votes in advance of Election Day, Nov. 3, perhaps it’s time to breathe a cautious sigh of relief. A system […]

Election Machinery in High Gear

October 22, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With North Carolinians on track to cast eye-popping numbers of votes in advance of Election Day, Nov. 3, perhaps it’s time to breathe a cautious sigh of relief. A system […]

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

School Quality vs. the Virus

September 18, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With the coronavirus still rampant across North Carolina, the top education concern in many families has little to do with the state’s long-term school investments or with the disadvantages faced […]

School Quality vs. the Virus

September 18, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With the coronavirus still rampant across North Carolina, the top education concern in many families has little to do with the state’s long-term school investments or with the disadvantages faced […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Churches’ Watchwords: Every Vote Counts!

August 12, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s pretty obvious why the N.C. Council of Churches and its allies on the faith-and-justice spectrum hope to see plenty of like-minded voters turning out for the elections this fall. […]

Churches’ Watchwords: Every Vote Counts!

August 12, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s pretty obvious why the N.C. Council of Churches and its allies on the faith-and-justice spectrum hope to see plenty of like-minded voters turning out for the elections this fall. […]

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

The Virus and the Vulnerable

July 31, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The image of a perfect storm conveys a rueful irony – the storm whose components are so intertwined, so synchronized, so mutually reinforcing as to make it “perfect” in its […]

The Virus and the Vulnerable

July 31, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The image of a perfect storm conveys a rueful irony – the storm whose components are so intertwined, so synchronized, so mutually reinforcing as to make it “perfect” in its […]

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

Pandemic Session’s Tangled Tale

July 6, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The scenario was familiar as the N.C. General Assembly engaged in another frantic and exhausting push to complete a legislative session. Mission accomplished? Well, that depends on how you look […]

Pandemic Session’s Tangled Tale

July 6, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The scenario was familiar as the N.C. General Assembly engaged in another frantic and exhausting push to complete a legislative session. Mission accomplished? Well, that depends on how you look […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Swing Toward Safer Voting

May 28, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With just five months and change until Election Day, 2020 – and with many virus-leery North Carolinians wondering how they’ll manage to vote safely – efforts to update the state’s […]

Swing Toward Safer Voting

May 28, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With just five months and change until Election Day, 2020 – and with many virus-leery North Carolinians wondering how they’ll manage to vote safely – efforts to update the state’s […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Safe Elections: The Pressure’s On

May 8, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Members of the N.C. House and Senate, resolutely confronting the deadly and disastrous coronavirus pandemic, have offered up shining examples of just what friends are for. Friends are there to […]

Safe Elections: The Pressure’s On

May 8, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Members of the N.C. House and Senate, resolutely confronting the deadly and disastrous coronavirus pandemic, have offered up shining examples of just what friends are for. Friends are there to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

In search of voting’s ‘new normal’

April 22, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When and if members of the N.C. General Assembly reconvene as scheduled on April 28 – presumably wearing masks and taking all the other recommended precautions to stay safe and […]

In search of voting’s ‘new normal’

April 22, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When and if members of the N.C. General Assembly reconvene as scheduled on April 28 – presumably wearing masks and taking all the other recommended precautions to stay safe and […]

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

Virus-era Voting – Buckle Up

April 1, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In keeping with the familiar rhythms of American politics, this is a year when many of our elected leaders, including the president, and their would-be successors will stand for inspection […]

Virus-era Voting – Buckle Up

April 1, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

In keeping with the familiar rhythms of American politics, this is a year when many of our elected leaders, including the president, and their would-be successors will stand for inspection […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Voter ID’s Rough Ride

February 22, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina General Assembly’s Republican majority is down to what looks to be its last-ditch defense of the voter ID law it rammed through at the tail end of […]

Voter ID’s Rough Ride

February 22, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The North Carolina General Assembly’s Republican majority is down to what looks to be its last-ditch defense of the voter ID law it rammed through at the tail end of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Voter ID

‘Sound Basic’ Truths About Our Schools

January 17, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UpdateOn Jan. 21, Superior Court Judge David Lee, who oversees compliance in the Leandro school-quality case, issued an order endorsing the WestEd report’s findings and setting forth steps to address its recommendations […]

‘Sound Basic’ Truths About Our Schools

January 17, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UpdateOn Jan. 21, Superior Court Judge David Lee, who oversees compliance in the Leandro school-quality case, issued an order endorsing the WestEd report’s findings and setting forth steps to address its recommendations […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

Raleigh Report: Sidetrack for photo voter ID

January 7, 2020 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A long road remains to be traveled before North Carolinians find out whether they’ll have to show an identification card, with photo, in order to vote in next fall’s pivotal […]

Raleigh Report: Sidetrack for photo voter ID

January 7, 2020 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A long road remains to be traveled before North Carolinians find out whether they’ll have to show an identification card, with photo, in order to vote in next fall’s pivotal […]

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

Raleigh Report: Flawed deal to resurrect Silent Sam

December 13, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When leaders of the N.C. Council of Churches two years ago adopted a policy statement entitled “Confederate-themed monuments: Time to reassess,” the statue known as Silent Sam still faced north […]

Raleigh Report: Flawed deal to resurrect Silent Sam

December 13, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When leaders of the N.C. Council of Churches two years ago adopted a policy statement entitled “Confederate-themed monuments: Time to reassess,” the statue known as Silent Sam still faced north […]

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

Gerrymanderers Seeing the Light, or Scared Straight?

October 25, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly have finally gotten the message: their decade-long efforts to rig the state’s congressional voting district boundaries in their party’s favor simply […]

Gerrymanderers Seeing the Light, or Scared Straight?

October 25, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly have finally gotten the message: their decade-long efforts to rig the state’s congressional voting district boundaries in their party’s favor simply […]

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

Ambush at Override Gulch

September 13, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore called the House to order for its scheduled 8:30 a.m. session on Sept. 11, he made a fateful decision bearing not only on a […]

Ambush at Override Gulch

September 13, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore called the House to order for its scheduled 8:30 a.m. session on Sept. 11, he made a fateful decision bearing not only on a […]

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

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

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

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

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

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

Path to Fairer Maps, Better Government

September 6, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If politics can be described as a contact sport, it’s perhaps fitting to say that when the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly went to court to defend the […]

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

Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock

August 12, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It can’t have escaped many folks’ notice – even those, bless their hearts, for whom the really big news involves the onset of football season – that our political systems […]

Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock

August 12, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It can’t have escaped many folks’ notice – even those, bless their hearts, for whom the really big news involves the onset of football season – that our political systems […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, Gun Violence, Medicaid, State Budget

Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock

August 12, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It can’t have escaped many folks’ notice – even those, bless their hearts, for whom the really big news involves the onset of football season – that our political systems […]

Guns, Medicaid, Gridlock

August 12, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It can’t have escaped many folks’ notice – even those, bless their hearts, for whom the really big news involves the onset of football season – that our political systems […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, Gun Violence, Medicaid, State Budget

On Gerrymandering, High Court Looks to States

July 1, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

You have to wonder: What would U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. tell that proud North Carolina gerrymanderer David Lewis if they ever came face to face, just the two […]

On Gerrymandering, High Court Looks to States

July 1, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

You have to wonder: What would U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. tell that proud North Carolina gerrymanderer David Lewis if they ever came face to face, just the two […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

No Medicaid Expansion? Just say no!

June 27, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Not to belabor the obvious, but when North Carolina’s elected leaders craft a spending plan for state government, they take positions on many issues that have a moral dimension. And […]

No Medicaid Expansion? Just say no!

June 27, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Not to belabor the obvious, but when North Carolina’s elected leaders craft a spending plan for state government, they take positions on many issues that have a moral dimension. And […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Medicaid, State Budget

Staying Sane: Gun Laws that Work

June 17, 2019 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The Mother Emanuel, Charleston, SC, shooting was four years ago today, June 17. The N.C. General Assembly Senate Judiciary Committee will consider Senate Bill 90 tomorrow, June 18. A favorable […]

Staying Sane: Gun Laws that Work

June 17, 2019 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The Mother Emanuel, Charleston, SC, shooting was four years ago today, June 17. The N.C. General Assembly Senate Judiciary Committee will consider Senate Bill 90 tomorrow, June 18. A favorable […]

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

Raleigh Report – April 29, 2019

April 29, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Introduced Bills CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 834 – Ban the Box would prohibit the state from asking a job applicant about his/her criminal history until that applicant had been selected for […]

Raleigh Report – April 29, 2019

April 29, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Introduced Bills CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 834 – Ban the Box would prohibit the state from asking a job applicant about his/her criminal history until that applicant had been selected for […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Gun Violence, Public Education

Raleigh Report – April 22, 2019

April 22, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICEHB 781 – Limitations on Use of Solitary Confinementactually contains several items related to prisons: Solitary confinement couldn’t be used for inmates with serious mental illness unless […]

Raleigh Report – April 22, 2019

April 22, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICEHB 781 – Limitations on Use of Solitary Confinementactually contains several items related to prisons: Solitary confinement couldn’t be used for inmates with serious mental illness unless […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Gun Violence, Immigration, Public Education, Torture

Medicaid Expansion: Doing the Right Thing

April 19, 2019 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The people of North Carolina pay federal taxes. Our tax dollars help fund the 90 percent federal match on Medicaid expansion enrollees for states that have expanded Medicaid under the […]

Medicaid Expansion: Doing the Right Thing

April 19, 2019 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

The people of North Carolina pay federal taxes. Our tax dollars help fund the 90 percent federal match on Medicaid expansion enrollees for states that have expanded Medicaid under the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform, Medicaid

Raleigh Report – April 11, 2019

April 11, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 587 – Repeal Death Penalty would abolish the death penalty, and all prisoners currently on Death Row would be resentenced to life imprisonment without parole. […]

Raleigh Report – April 11, 2019

April 11, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE HB 587 – Repeal Death Penalty would abolish the death penalty, and all prisoners currently on Death Row would be resentenced to life imprisonment without parole. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Environment, Good Government, Gun Violence, Immigration, Public Education, Redistricting

Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE/PRISON REFORM HB 460/SB 545 – Fair Chance Hiring would require state agencies to reduce barriers to hiring people with a criminal history. Specific provisions include: Prohibits […]

Raleigh Report – April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS CRIMINAL JUSTICE/PRISON REFORM HB 460/SB 545 – Fair Chance Hiring would require state agencies to reduce barriers to hiring people with a criminal history. Specific provisions include: Prohibits […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environment, Good Government, Healthcare Reform, Immigration, LGBTQ, Peace, Public Education

Raleigh Report – March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS ECONOMIC JUSTICE HB 422/SB 234 – Healthy Families & Workplaces/Paid Sick Days is similar to the paid sick leave provisions of HB 46. (See RR, February 26.) Introduced […]

Raleigh Report – March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS ECONOMIC JUSTICE HB 422/SB 234 – Healthy Families & Workplaces/Paid Sick Days is similar to the paid sick leave provisions of HB 46. (See RR, February 26.) Introduced […]

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

Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION With the passing last month of the first anniversary of the shooting deaths of 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, the […]

Raleigh Report – March 11, 2019

March 11, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION With the passing last month of the first anniversary of the shooting deaths of 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, the […]

Filed Under: Raleigh Report Tagged With: Economic Justice, Good Government, Gun Violence, Human Rights, Immigration, Public Education

Raleigh Report – February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS ECONOMIC JUSTICE HB 46 – Economic Security Act of 2019HB 46 is a collection of issues long of concern to workers and worker advocates. Specific provisions would: Increase […]

Raleigh Report – February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

INTRODUCED BILLS ECONOMIC JUSTICE HB 46 – Economic Security Act of 2019HB 46 is a collection of issues long of concern to workers and worker advocates. Specific provisions would: Increase […]

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

Gerrymandering Dooms Voter ID Amendment, Judge Says

February 25, 2019 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to specify that the court ruling does not address the status of the law enacted in December to comply with the state constitution’s […]

Gerrymandering Dooms Voter ID Amendment, Judge Says

February 25, 2019 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to specify that the court ruling does not address the status of the law enacted in December to comply with the state constitution’s […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Gail Phares to receive Faith Active in Public Life Award

February 14, 2019 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Each time the Council holds its bi-annual Legislative Seminar, we honor those whose public lives reflect their faith commitments. The Faith Active in Public Life Award calls attention to someone […]

Gail Phares to receive Faith Active in Public Life Award

February 14, 2019 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Each time the Council holds its bi-annual Legislative Seminar, we honor those whose public lives reflect their faith commitments. The Faith Active in Public Life Award calls attention to someone […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Council News

Raleigh Report – February 12, 2019

February 12, 2019 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The 2019 Long Session of the General Assembly is now in full swing. As a result of last November’s elections, Republicans maintained majorities in both Senate and House but lost […]

Raleigh Report – February 12, 2019

February 12, 2019 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The 2019 Long Session of the General Assembly is now in full swing. As a result of last November’s elections, Republicans maintained majorities in both Senate and House but lost […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Health, Healthcare Reform, Public Education

More Truth About Torture

January 22, 2019 By Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

The decade-long struggle for truth and justice got a welcome boost this weekend with a powerful opinion piece in the News & Observer. The writer, former N.C. resident and Capitol […]

More Truth About Torture

January 22, 2019 by Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

The decade-long struggle for truth and justice got a welcome boost this weekend with a powerful opinion piece in the News & Observer. The writer, former N.C. resident and Capitol […]

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

Elections Oversight: No Place for Secrecy

December 18, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Update: After this article was written, Gov. Cooper did veto House Bill 1029, as he was urged to do. He criticized the bill as potentially “devastating to the cause of fighting election […]

Elections Oversight: No Place for Secrecy

December 18, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Update: After this article was written, Gov. Cooper did veto House Bill 1029, as he was urged to do. He criticized the bill as potentially “devastating to the cause of fighting election […]

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

Election Milestone on Path to Change

November 8, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The first thing Gov. Roy Cooper did after he reported for work on Wednesday, Nov. 8, was to order up a generous new supply of red ink for his veto […]

Election Milestone on Path to Change

November 8, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The first thing Gov. Roy Cooper did after he reported for work on Wednesday, Nov. 8, was to order up a generous new supply of red ink for his veto […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Vetting the Vote: North Carolina’s Involvement in Torture

October 18, 2018 By Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

Every seat in the North Carolina General Assembly is being challenged in the upcoming election. Every person qualified to vote has a responsibility to show up at the polls on […]

Vetting the Vote: North Carolina’s Involvement in Torture

October 18, 2018 by Para Drake, NC No Torture Project Coordinator

Every seat in the North Carolina General Assembly is being challenged in the upcoming election. Every person qualified to vote has a responsibility to show up at the polls on […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Peace, vettingthevote

When It Rains Voter Suppression

September 19, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s a truism that weather affects elections. Yes, many of us would slosh through a downpour if that’s what it took to get to the polls. But a cold, driving […]

When It Rains Voter Suppression

September 19, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s a truism that weather affects elections. Yes, many of us would slosh through a downpour if that’s what it took to get to the polls. But a cold, driving […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report

Power Struggle has them Scrambling

August 2, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The drive by Republicans who control the N.C. General Assembly to enhance their already formidable power, often at the expense of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, has been relentless. Why is […]

Power Struggle has them Scrambling

August 2, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The drive by Republicans who control the N.C. General Assembly to enhance their already formidable power, often at the expense of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, has been relentless. Why is […]

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

Governor Faces a Squeeze

June 28, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Depending on the context, it could be called poor sportsmanship. Or bullying. Or a flouting of democratic principles. Or even tyranny. Consider a situation in which a group of people […]

Governor Faces a Squeeze

June 28, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Depending on the context, it could be called poor sportsmanship. Or bullying. Or a flouting of democratic principles. Or even tyranny. Consider a situation in which a group of people […]

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

Power Push’s Troubling Twists

June 22, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The current leaders of the North Carolina General Assembly – top members of the state House and Senate, all of them Republicans – rule with iron fists and aren’t squeamish […]

Power Push’s Troubling Twists

June 22, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The current leaders of the North Carolina General Assembly – top members of the state House and Senate, all of them Republicans – rule with iron fists and aren’t squeamish […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report

Proposed Tax Amendment Doesn’t Make Cents

June 15, 2018 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Senate Bill 75 is on the move. It would put on this November’s ballot a constitutional amendment setting a maximum income tax rate of […]

Proposed Tax Amendment Doesn’t Make Cents

June 15, 2018 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director Senate Bill 75 is on the move. It would put on this November’s ballot a constitutional amendment setting a maximum income tax rate of […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: State Budget, Taxes

Voter ID Follows Budget Bulldozer

June 11, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new state budget – now on a fast track to final enactment by the Republican-controlled General Assembly over Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto – represents a miserable failure […]

Voter ID Follows Budget Bulldozer

June 11, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new state budget – now on a fast track to final enactment by the Republican-controlled General Assembly over Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto – represents a miserable failure […]

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

Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018

May 30, 2018 By North Carolina Council of Churches

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The North Carolina General Assembly re-convened for its 2018 “short session” on Wednesday, May 16. Under terms of last year’s adjournment resolution, the General […]

Raleigh Report — May 30, 2018

May 30, 2018 by North Carolina Council of Churches

By George Reed, Retired Executive Director The North Carolina General Assembly re-convened for its 2018 “short session” on Wednesday, May 16. Under terms of last year’s adjournment resolution, the General […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Gun Violence, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, State Budget

No More Mottos

May 25, 2018 By The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Hours after teachers marched on Raleigh to talk about funding needs for their schools, their students, and, yes, even themselves, a bill was introduced in the N.C. General Assembly to […]

No More Mottos

May 25, 2018 by The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director

Hours after teachers marched on Raleigh to talk about funding needs for their schools, their students, and, yes, even themselves, a bill was introduced in the N.C. General Assembly to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education, State Budget

Marching for Schools, and for Children

May 18, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

They suited up in their red t-shirts, hoisted their homemade signs and coursed like a river through the heart of downtown Raleigh. Destination: The headquarters of North Carolina’s General Assembly. […]

Marching for Schools, and for Children

May 18, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

They suited up in their red t-shirts, hoisted their homemade signs and coursed like a river through the heart of downtown Raleigh. Destination: The headquarters of North Carolina’s General Assembly. […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education, State Budget

Doing the School-money Shuffle

April 30, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the N.C. General Assembly convenes on May 16, legislators will be “welcomed” by a throng of advocates for high-quality public schools – teachers prominent among them. More power to […]

Doing the School-money Shuffle

April 30, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When the N.C. General Assembly convenes on May 16, legislators will be “welcomed” by a throng of advocates for high-quality public schools – teachers prominent among them. More power to […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

Pray and Vote

April 20, 2018 By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

The North Carolina Council of Churches believes that participating in our democracy is one critical component of our call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. […]

Pray and Vote

April 20, 2018 by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

The North Carolina Council of Churches believes that participating in our democracy is one critical component of our call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. […]

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

School Districts: Keeping It Together

April 13, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Public education in North Carolina has its share of challenges, not the least of which has been the state’s ongoing failure to make sure that school systems in poorer communities […]

School Districts: Keeping It Together

April 13, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Public education in North Carolina has its share of challenges, not the least of which has been the state’s ongoing failure to make sure that school systems in poorer communities […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

Public Schools’ Call to Quality – For All

April 2, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was perhaps the N.C. Supreme Court’s finest hour. In 1997, the high court held unanimously that North Carolina public school students are entitled under the state constitution to the […]

Public Schools’ Call to Quality – For All

April 2, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It was perhaps the N.C. Supreme Court’s finest hour. In 1997, the high court held unanimously that North Carolina public school students are entitled under the state constitution to the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Public Education

On the Hot Seat, Where She Belongs

March 19, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Ordinary Americans – those of us not allowed to know the secrets of high-level espionage work – at this point find it hard to judge accurately the accomplishments of Gina […]

On the Hot Seat, Where She Belongs

March 19, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Ordinary Americans – those of us not allowed to know the secrets of high-level espionage work – at this point find it hard to judge accurately the accomplishments of Gina […]

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

Class Sizes and More: An Awkward Finale

February 15, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the General Assembly wraps up its weirdly timed and generally ill-conceived winter session, it would be nice to think that the grand dispute over class sizes in North Carolina’s […]

Class Sizes and More: An Awkward Finale

February 15, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

As the General Assembly wraps up its weirdly timed and generally ill-conceived winter session, it would be nice to think that the grand dispute over class sizes in North Carolina’s […]

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

The Commission Came to Town

February 13, 2018 By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Only rarely does the United States Commission on Civil Rights hold hearings outside of Washington D.C.  In February they came to town, convening in Raleigh to hear testimony about obstacles […]

The Commission Came to Town

February 13, 2018 by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

Only rarely does the United States Commission on Civil Rights hold hearings outside of Washington D.C.  In February they came to town, convening in Raleigh to hear testimony about obstacles […]

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

With Rights at Stake, Judges Stand Tall

February 5, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The pattern has become familiar – and a welcome pattern it is, even if brought about by the Republican-controlled General Assembly’s relentless abuses of our democratic system. Call it, “Judges […]

With Rights at Stake, Judges Stand Tall

February 5, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The pattern has become familiar – and a welcome pattern it is, even if brought about by the Republican-controlled General Assembly’s relentless abuses of our democratic system. Call it, “Judges […]

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

Looking for Help?

January 23, 2018 By Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

The Federal Government of the United States of America shut down at midnight on Friday. It reopened yesterday, but may shut down again in February.  Uncertainty and disorientation abound.   […]

Looking for Help?

January 23, 2018 by Mary Elizabeth Hanchey, Program Associate for Legislative Advocacy and Interfaith Outreach

The Federal Government of the United States of America shut down at midnight on Friday. It reopened yesterday, but may shut down again in February.  Uncertainty and disorientation abound.   […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Immigration, Redistricting

Thumbs-up to Fairer Districts

January 22, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Progress in rooting out North Carolina’s gerrymandered voting districts hasn’t always occurred in a straight line. But the trend – thanks to federal judges honoring their duty to uphold the […]

Thumbs-up to Fairer Districts

January 22, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Progress in rooting out North Carolina’s gerrymandered voting districts hasn’t always occurred in a straight line. But the trend – thanks to federal judges honoring their duty to uphold the […]

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

U.S. Court: Those Districts Won’t Fly

January 12, 2018 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Grand constitutional questions in this country aren’t settled until the Supreme Court has its say, either by affirming or reversing the rulings of lower-court judges or simply by declining to […]

U.S. Court: Those Districts Won’t Fly

January 12, 2018 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Grand constitutional questions in this country aren’t settled until the Supreme Court has its say, either by affirming or reversing the rulings of lower-court judges or simply by declining to […]

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

Tax Plan Twist: Churches, Charities, Candidates

November 17, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With Republicans on Capitol Hill and in the White House desperate to post a big legislative win, their push for so-called tax reform – the label being used to sugar-coat […]

Tax Plan Twist: Churches, Charities, Candidates

November 17, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With Republicans on Capitol Hill and in the White House desperate to post a big legislative win, their push for so-called tax reform – the label being used to sugar-coat […]

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

GOP’s Goal: A Tilted Bench

October 23, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

To the Republicans who run the N.C. General Assembly, the concept of judicial independence – central to our bedrock American principle of checks and balances and to the rule of […]

GOP’s Goal: A Tilted Bench

October 23, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

To the Republicans who run the N.C. General Assembly, the concept of judicial independence – central to our bedrock American principle of checks and balances and to the rule of […]

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

Defenders of Rights; Defenders of Privilege

September 30, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At many levels, Americans are confronting issues of race relations and racial justice with an intensity that echoes the climax of the civil rights movement five decades ago – as […]

Defenders of Rights; Defenders of Privilege

September 30, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At many levels, Americans are confronting issues of race relations and racial justice with an intensity that echoes the climax of the civil rights movement five decades ago – as […]

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

Post-Charlottesville: What Trump Said, and When

August 17, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When President Trump stepped to a White House lectern on Monday and rebuked the instigators of the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Va., that had erupted two days before, he was […]

Post-Charlottesville: What Trump Said, and When

August 17, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

When President Trump stepped to a White House lectern on Monday and rebuked the instigators of the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Va., that had erupted two days before, he was […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Discourse, Race/Ethnicity, Violence

Marching Orders for New Maps

August 10, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The three federal judges could have just come right out and said it: The Republicans who rule the N.C. General Assembly have elevated foot-dragging to a fine art. Their stall […]

Marching Orders for New Maps

August 10, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The three federal judges could have just come right out and said it: The Republicans who rule the N.C. General Assembly have elevated foot-dragging to a fine art. Their stall […]

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

Rights Advocacy At Risk

August 3, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The optics, as they say, are terrible. But in a state whose motto is “To Be Rather Than to Seem,” it’s even more important to look at the substance. And […]

Rights Advocacy At Risk

August 3, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The optics, as they say, are terrible. But in a state whose motto is “To Be Rather Than to Seem,” it’s even more important to look at the substance. And […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice, Environment, Equality & Reconciliation, Fracking, Good Government, LGBTQ, N.C. General Assembly, Public Education, Race/Ethnicity

Uh-Oh – It’s the Legislature, Again

July 27, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Better get used to it. The N.C. General Assembly, after an all-too-brief adjournment during July, is about to reopen for business in its marble and masonry maze on Raleigh’s Jones […]

Uh-Oh – It’s the Legislature, Again

July 27, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Better get used to it. The N.C. General Assembly, after an all-too-brief adjournment during July, is about to reopen for business in its marble and masonry maze on Raleigh’s Jones […]

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

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

June 30, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Presented with a new state budget that, whatever its occasional virtues, is mainly about easing tax burdens on the well-off while grinding opponents of legislative Republicans into the dirt, Democratic […]

Doomed Veto Spotlights Budget Flaws

June 30, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Presented with a new state budget that, whatever its occasional virtues, is mainly about easing tax burdens on the well-off while grinding opponents of legislative Republicans into the dirt, Democratic […]

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

Senate Health Care Plan Released: Would Make the Most Vulnerable More So

June 22, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Members of the United States Senate have released their proposed health care plan, all 142 pages of the “Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017” developed in secrecy, with a score […]

Senate Health Care Plan Released: Would Make the Most Vulnerable More So

June 22, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Members of the United States Senate have released their proposed health care plan, all 142 pages of the “Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017” developed in secrecy, with a score […]

Filed Under: Blog, Homepage Featured, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Children & Youth, Economic Justice, Equality & Reconciliation, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Mental Health, Taxes

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

June 22, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By now the strategy is familiar – the strategy used by the N.C. General Assembly’s Republican chiefs to try to make a fundamentally flawed state budget appear, well, not that […]

New Budget with Old Agenda Falls Short

June 22, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By now the strategy is familiar – the strategy used by the N.C. General Assembly’s Republican chiefs to try to make a fundamentally flawed state budget appear, well, not that […]

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

Senate Health Care Plan — Let’s Keep Calling

June 21, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As the Senate continues its secret deliberations on a health care plan that will effect all Americans, the potential impact on one of the most vulnerable groups in our society […]

Senate Health Care Plan — Let’s Keep Calling

June 21, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As the Senate continues its secret deliberations on a health care plan that will effect all Americans, the potential impact on one of the most vulnerable groups in our society […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Children & Youth, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Human Rights, Mental Health, Prophetic Voice, Substance Abuse

Thursday, June 15 — NC Health Care Call-in Day

June 14, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s commitment to health care as a basic justice issue dates back decades. Significant progress toward health care for all was made with the Affordable Care Act, progress toward […]

Thursday, June 15 — NC Health Care Call-in Day

June 14, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s commitment to health care as a basic justice issue dates back decades. Significant progress toward health care for all was made with the Affordable Care Act, progress toward […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Aging, Children & Youth, Good Government, Health, Healthcare Reform, Interfaith, Mental Health, People with Disabilities, Prophetic Voice

Gerrymander Remedy: Redraw, Now

June 14, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who took control of North Carolina’s General Assembly with the elections of 2010 were, it could be said, licking their chops. They knew that when they came to […]

Gerrymander Remedy: Redraw, Now

June 14, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The Republicans who took control of North Carolina’s General Assembly with the elections of 2010 were, it could be said, licking their chops. They knew that when they came to […]

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

GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not Helpful

June 12, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The General Assembly leaders meeting to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget are working with two deeply flawed proposals. As our friend Chris Fitzsimon at […]

GA’s Budget Proposals — Harmful not Helpful

June 12, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The General Assembly leaders meeting to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget are working with two deeply flawed proposals. As our friend Chris Fitzsimon at […]

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

UPDATE — High Court to NC: Draw Those Districts Fairly

June 8, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE In separate, party-line votes on June 8, the state House and Senate rejected Gov. Cooper’s attempt to convene a special session for the purpose of redrawing legislative voting districts. […]

UPDATE — High Court to NC: Draw Those Districts Fairly

June 8, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

UPDATE In separate, party-line votes on June 8, the state House and Senate rejected Gov. Cooper’s attempt to convene a special session for the purpose of redrawing legislative voting districts. […]

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

Update — GA Takes Up Dangerous Gun Law, June 7

June 7, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Representatives in the General  Assembly are scheduled to take up H.B. 746 this afternoon. Calls are still needed against this bill. As our friends at NC Policy Watch reported, the […]

Update — GA Takes Up Dangerous Gun Law, June 7

June 7, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Representatives in the General  Assembly are scheduled to take up H.B. 746 this afternoon. Calls are still needed against this bill. As our friends at NC Policy Watch reported, the […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Gun Violence, N.C. General Assembly, Peace

Gun Bill Advances in GA; National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2

June 1, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Consider the shame of the North Carolina General Assembly working to rush through a bill that weakens gun laws as National Gun Violence Awareness Day approaches. It is right up […]

Gun Bill Advances in GA; National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2

June 1, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Consider the shame of the North Carolina General Assembly working to rush through a bill that weakens gun laws as National Gun Violence Awareness Day approaches. It is right up […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Good Government, Gun Violence, Health, N.C. General Assembly

Action Alert: May 31, 2017 — GA May Act on Guns

May 30, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As was feared, some members of the General Assembly may be bringing back legislation that would roll back existing gun safety laws. A version of the previously introduced H.B. 746 […]

Action Alert: May 31, 2017 — GA May Act on Guns

May 30, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

As was feared, some members of the General Assembly may be bringing back legislation that would roll back existing gun safety laws. A version of the previously introduced H.B. 746 […]

Filed Under: Blog, Raleigh Report Tagged With: Action Alert, Children & Youth, Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence, Good Government, Gun Violence, N.C. General Assembly, Peace

Lines of Influence: Justices Zap Voting Map

May 25, 2017 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Following the elections of 2010 – tilted as they were by an intense right-wing pushback against President Barack Obama midway through his first term – Republicans in the N.C. General […]

Lines of Influence: Justices Zap Voting Map

May 25, 2017 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Following the elections of 2010 – tilted as they were by an intense right-wing pushback against President Barack Obama midway through his first term – Republicans in the N.C. General […]

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

For Children, It’s Good News and Bad News from the GA

May 23, 2017 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Last week was a mixed bag for children and youth in terms of activity at the General Assembly. Among accomplishments was further progress on raising the age at which juveniles […]

For Children, It’s Good News and Bad News from the GA

May 23, 2017 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Last week was a mixed bag for children and youth in terms of activity at the General Assembly. Among accomplishments was further progress on raising the age at which juveniles […]

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

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