Raleigh Report

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

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

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: […]

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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

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

What Can We Say? An Invitation to Write to George

April 21, 2015 By Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

George Reed’s retirement luncheon is set for Tuesday, June 2. This is a short five weeks from now. Of course everyone will miss him in his role as Executive Director, […]

What Can We Say? An Invitation to Write to George

April 21, 2015 by Rose Gurkin, Former Program Associate for Administration

George Reed’s retirement luncheon is set for Tuesday, June 2. This is a short five weeks from now. Of course everyone will miss him in his role as Executive Director, […]

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 […]

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 […]

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

April 2, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina raise issues – both legal and pastoral – which the NC Council of Churches […]

Religious Freedom or Using Religion to Justify Discrimination?

April 2, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Discussions in recent days of so-called religious freedom bills in Indiana, Arkansas, and now North Carolina raise issues – both legal and pastoral – which the NC Council of Churches […]

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

March 11, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar is about a month away, and we have an exciting program of preachers, workshops, and presenters planned. If you’ve already registered to be with us, […]

Coming to the Seminar? Bring a Friend!

March 11, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

The Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar is about a month away, and we have an exciting program of preachers, workshops, and presenters planned. If you’ve already registered to be with us, […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

March 3, 2015 By Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the […]

Register for 2015 Legislative Seminar — Updated with Workshops and Presenters

March 3, 2015 by Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Join us on April 14 at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church in Cary for the Council’s 2015 Legislative Seminar. Held every two years, the Seminar equips people of faith with the […]

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 […]

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 […]

Join us for HKonJ 2015

February 9, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

In these challenging days in North Carolina, there is nothing more important for people of faith who support progressive and prophetic public policies to do than to take part in […]

Join us for HKonJ 2015

February 9, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

In these challenging days in North Carolina, there is nothing more important for people of faith who support progressive and prophetic public policies to do than to take part in […]

Who Pays When It Comes to Taxes?

January 15, 2015 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

People who are poor pay a greater percentage of their income in taxes than do those who are wealthy. The NC Council of Churches joined many allied organizations two years […]

Who Pays When It Comes to Taxes?

January 15, 2015 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

People who are poor pay a greater percentage of their income in taxes than do those who are wealthy. The NC Council of Churches joined many allied organizations two years […]

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 […]

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

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

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 […]

Voter Protection Hotline

October 31, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

We are coming to the end of the time for voting. Early Voting ends this Saturday, November 1. (Check with your local board of elections for the places and hours for Early […]

Voter Protection Hotline

October 31, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

We are coming to the end of the time for voting. Early Voting ends this Saturday, November 1. (Check with your local board of elections for the places and hours for Early […]

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 […]

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 […]

Early Voting Map Helps Locate Sites

October 9, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

Our friends at the NC Conservation Network have created a useful (and nifty) interactive map of North Carolina that will point you quickly to your closest early voting site. Click […]

Early Voting Map Helps Locate Sites

October 9, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

Our friends at the NC Conservation Network have created a useful (and nifty) interactive map of North Carolina that will point you quickly to your closest early voting site. Click […]

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 […]

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, […]

Voting Rights Update for Pastors and Other Faith Leaders

September 26, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

November 4 is Election Day. Because of changes in election laws, it is important that people in our pews know when and where they can vote. All of the following […]

Voting Rights Update for Pastors and Other Faith Leaders

September 26, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

November 4 is Election Day. Because of changes in election laws, it is important that people in our pews know when and where they can vote. All of the following […]

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 […]

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Early Voting — Contact Your Local Board of Elections

June 4, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the most harmful parts of last year’s voter suppression bill was the limitation on early voting. There had been 17 days of it. Last year’s bill, adopted by […]

Early Voting — Contact Your Local Board of Elections

June 4, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

One of the most harmful parts of last year’s voter suppression bill was the limitation on early voting. There had been 17 days of it. Last year’s bill, adopted by […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

2014 Critical Issues Seminar — Registration is Ongoing

March 31, 2014 By Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

*To see registration form, scroll down to the middle of the page. Registration for the Council’s 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education with a guaranteed lunch has been extended for […]

2014 Critical Issues Seminar — Registration is Ongoing

March 31, 2014 by Lauren Chesson, Former MSW Intern

*To see registration form, scroll down to the middle of the page. Registration for the Council’s 2014 Critical Issues Seminar on Public Education with a guaranteed lunch has been extended for […]

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

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 […]

Faithful Activism — Part 2

March 1, 2014 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

In an earlier blog, I noted a congregation’s questions about becoming a partner with HKonJ. If you haven’t seen that blog, please click here. It contains information that will be […]

Faithful Activism — Part 2

March 1, 2014 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

In an earlier blog, I noted a congregation’s questions about becoming a partner with HKonJ. If you haven’t seen that blog, please click here. It contains information that will be […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Stakes with Teachers’ Pay

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

Whether anecdotal or empirical, the evidence is clear: North Carolina has done a poor job of furnishing its public school teachers with adequate salaries. By “adequate,” we should mean pay […]

The Stakes with Teachers’ Pay

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

Whether anecdotal or empirical, the evidence is clear: North Carolina has done a poor job of furnishing its public school teachers with adequate salaries. By “adequate,” we should mean pay […]

Seeking Smooth Elections

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

The election law changes approved last year by North Carolina’s General Assembly face court challenges on grounds of voter suppression and racial discrimination. However the courts rule, it’s hard not […]

Seeking Smooth Elections

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

Boosts for Voters, Protestors

January 27, 2014 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By the time last year’s edition of the NC General Assembly finished its work, it was as though the laws and policies by which this state is governed had been […]

Boosts for Voters, Protestors

January 27, 2014 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

By the time last year’s edition of the NC General Assembly finished its work, it was as though the laws and policies by which this state is governed had been […]

Voting Rights and Faith

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

Elections in the United States must be carried out in line with rules meant to ensure honesty and accuracy, and to expose candidates to timely judgments about their merits. But […]

Voting Rights and Faith

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

Elections in the United States must be carried out in line with rules meant to ensure honesty and accuracy, and to expose candidates to timely judgments about their merits. But […]

A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks

December 29, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At the close of a momentous year for politics and public policy in North Carolina – a year that challenged many people of faith to act on their beliefs — […]

A Year of Setbacks, Pushbacks

December 29, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

At the close of a momentous year for politics and public policy in North Carolina – a year that challenged many people of faith to act on their beliefs — […]

District Lines and Lions

December 14, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The “peaceable kingdom,” where lions lie down with lambs amid other unlikely combos, turns out to be not so far-fetched when it comes to one of North Carolina’s most vexing […]

District Lines and Lions

December 14, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The “peaceable kingdom,” where lions lie down with lambs amid other unlikely combos, turns out to be not so far-fetched when it comes to one of North Carolina’s most vexing […]

Momentum, Maybe, on Teacher Pay

December 2, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps they’re hearing footsteps – the footsteps of all those teachers who have turned out in recent months to call for better pay and more generous overall support for North […]

Momentum, Maybe, on Teacher Pay

December 2, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Perhaps they’re hearing footsteps – the footsteps of all those teachers who have turned out in recent months to call for better pay and more generous overall support for North […]

Costs of Election Changes

November 26, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It’s ghoulish to think about, but everyone has heard of dictatorial regimes that will execute a democracy-minded dissenter and then supposedly make the martyr’s family pay for the bullets. Then […]

Costs of Election Changes

November 26, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Signers Welcome — Letter to Governor McCrory

November 25, 2013 By George Reed, Former Executive Director

The NC NAACP has endorsed an open letter to Gov. McCrory about the state’s decision to deny certain unemployment insurance benefits and expanded Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands of […]

Signers Welcome — Letter to Governor McCrory

November 25, 2013 by George Reed, Former Executive Director

The NC NAACP has endorsed an open letter to Gov. McCrory about the state’s decision to deny certain unemployment insurance benefits and expanded Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands of […]

Crossroads for Food Aid

November 13, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Does hunger cause people to work harder, or to make better decisions as to how to spend what little money they may have? OK, let’s say the pangs of an […]

Crossroads for Food Aid

November 13, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Does hunger cause people to work harder, or to make better decisions as to how to spend what little money they may have? OK, let’s say the pangs of an […]

Teachers Walk the Talk

November 7, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Most people would agree that a young person’s success in school tilts the odds in favor of success in life. Most people would agree that students are more likely to […]

Teachers Walk the Talk

November 7, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Most people would agree that a young person’s success in school tilts the odds in favor of success in life. Most people would agree that students are more likely to […]

Trapped in the Coverage Gap

October 24, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Isn’t the federal Affordable Care Act supposed to help low-income Americans obtain the health insurance coverage that has been out of reach for millions? To be sure, that’s the idea […]

Trapped in the Coverage Gap

October 24, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Isn’t the federal Affordable Care Act supposed to help low-income Americans obtain the health insurance coverage that has been out of reach for millions? To be sure, that’s the idea […]

Shutdown Scenario: The Hunger Brink

October 11, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The political stakes and motives are plain to see. President Obama and his Democratic allies on Capitol Hill are locked in a desperate struggle with the Republicans who control the […]

Shutdown Scenario: The Hunger Brink

October 11, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The political stakes and motives are plain to see. President Obama and his Democratic allies on Capitol Hill are locked in a desperate struggle with the Republicans who control the […]

Health Law Navigators and Naysayers

September 16, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Many Americans without health insurance coverage look forward to the coming weeks and months. Starting Oct. 1, they’ll be able to enroll for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, President […]

Health Law Navigators and Naysayers

September 16, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Many Americans without health insurance coverage look forward to the coming weeks and months. Starting Oct. 1, they’ll be able to enroll for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, President […]

Capital’s End-of-Summer Fallout

September 6, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it the year of North Carolina’s Big Right Turn. A conservative General Assembly, with a conservative governor in tow, veered away from the moderate consensus that had set the […]

Capital’s End-of-Summer Fallout

September 6, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Call it the year of North Carolina’s Big Right Turn. A conservative General Assembly, with a conservative governor in tow, veered away from the moderate consensus that had set the […]

Back to School Amid Tight Times

August 28, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Of the many public policies North Carolina has followed across the decades, none has brought greater dividends than the state’s commitment to invest in education at all levels. No other […]

Back to School Amid Tight Times

August 28, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Of the many public policies North Carolina has followed across the decades, none has brought greater dividends than the state’s commitment to invest in education at all levels. No other […]

Court Tests for New Election Law

August 20, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new voter ID law also cuts the period for early voting and makes other changes in election rules. Does the law discriminate against some voters on the basis […]

Court Tests for New Election Law

August 20, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

North Carolina’s new voter ID law also cuts the period for early voting and makes other changes in election rules. Does the law discriminate against some voters on the basis […]

Elections bill: Return to senders

August 12, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory has said he’ll soon dispose of the 30 or so bills remaining on his desk following the General Assembly’s July 26 adjournment. He can either sign them […]

Elections bill: Return to senders

August 12, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Gov. Pat McCrory has said he’ll soon dispose of the 30 or so bills remaining on his desk following the General Assembly’s July 26 adjournment. He can either sign them […]

Three for the Governor’s ‘No’

August 3, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

If Gov. Pat McCrory goes along with the General Assembly’s partial “disassembly” of state environmental rules – and if North Carolina loses significant ground in the battle against pollution, as […]

Three for the Governor’s ‘No’

August 3, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

Short Rations for Schools

August 1, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The teachers were upset. And with North Carolina now embarked on a program of aggressive backsliding in its commitment to public education, who could blame them? Teachers, many of them […]

Short Rations for Schools

August 1, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The teachers were upset. And with North Carolina now embarked on a program of aggressive backsliding in its commitment to public education, who could blame them? Teachers, many of them […]

More Damage as Session Ends

July 26, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

The General Assembly has adjourned its 2013 session after a final cascade of disappointing and disturbing bills that now await review by Gov. Pat McCrory. Among the bills approved are ones that will make it less convenient for many citizens to vote and that weaken regulatory oversight of the environment. There was at least one bright spot, as the House rejected a last-minute push by the Senate to speed up the environmentally risky natural gas extraction process known as fracking. But on the whole, legislators succeeded in putting the crowning touches on a session devoted to a conservative agenda the likes of which modern North Carolina has never before seen.

More Damage as Session Ends

July 26, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

There was at least one bright spot, as the House rejected a last-minute push by the Senate to speed up the environmentally risky natural gas extraction process known as fracking. But on the whole, legislators succeeded in putting the crowning touches on a session devoted to a conservative agenda the likes of which modern North Carolina has never before seen.

Squeeze on Education Spending

July 22, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A budget to carry North Carolina state government through the next two years is poised for approval in the General Assembly. It represents a triumph of diminished expectations. That is […]

Squeeze on Education Spending

July 22, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

A budget to carry North Carolina state government through the next two years is poised for approval in the General Assembly. It represents a triumph of diminished expectations. That is […]

Voter ID Showdown Looms

July 20, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With the end of the 2013 legislative session in sight, Republicans in the General Assembly are making a final push to adopt photo identification as a requirement for voting. The […]

Voter ID Showdown Looms

July 20, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

With the end of the 2013 legislative session in sight, Republicans in the General Assembly are making a final push to adopt photo identification as a requirement for voting. The […]

Tax Cuts Take Shape

July 17, 2013 By Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It could be said that the elephant – symbol of the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly and governor’s office -- has labored and brought forth a mouse. But this is a mouse with sharp teeth. After weeks of effort, the legislature’s Republican majorities and Gov. Pat McCrory have agreed on a spate of changes to the state’s tax laws centered on cuts in personal and corporate income taxes. The cuts aren’t as deep as some conservatives wanted. Still, they will sap revenues that finance the entire portfolio of state programs and services.

Tax Cuts Take Shape

July 17, 2013 by Steve Ford, Former Volunteer Program Associate

It could be said that the elephant – symbol of the Republicans who control North Carolina’s General Assembly and governor’s office — has labored and brought forth a mouse. But this is a mouse with sharp teeth.

After weeks of effort, the legislature’s Republican majorities and Gov. Pat McCrory have agreed on a spate of changes to the state’s tax laws centered on cuts in personal and corporate income taxes. The cuts aren’t as deep as some conservatives wanted. Still, they will sap revenues that finance the entire portfolio of state programs and services.