NC legislators end summer session without deal on billion-dollar surplus

RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – The North Carolina legislative “short session” wrapped up the last week of June with several pieces of unfinished business.

Lawmakers adjourned without deciding how to spend a billion-dollar surplus.

The two chambers could not agree on a budget amendment, despite Republicans having a veto-proof majority in both houses.

State senators efforted legalizing marijuana for medical use but did not rally enough votes in the House.

Representatives also held up nearly $500 million aimed at private school vouchers, or “Opportunity Scholarships,” because many members wanted to see public school funding increased at the same time.

State Sen. Graig Meyer told Queen City News’ reporting partner in Raleigh he’s frustrated with the lack of progress.

“It’s surprising how little legislation we’ve actually gotten done,” Meyer said. “We’re not fixing our broken schools, we’re not repairing our failing water and sewer systems and we have money.”

In the final few days of the session, lawmakers set aside more than more than $67 million for child care center grants.

They also voted to override three of Governor Roy Cooper’s vetoes related to the state’s masking policy, trying youth offenders as adults and billboard maintenance requirements.

The General Assembly is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, July 10.

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