NC ‘budget corrections’ bill takes aim once again at top elected Democrats’ authority

The “budget technical corrections” bill passed by state Senate lawmakers Wednesday takes aim at more than statutory typos – it once again targets the authority of statewide elected Democrats, including removing Democratic Secretary of State Elaine Marshall from an oversight board, and giving the Senate more say over who can serve in the governor’s Cabinet. 

The General Assembly typically works on a budget corrections bill after the main budget bill is approved. This week, the Senate approved a budget corrections bill and a separate bill with additional changes. 

The Local Government Commission is part of the state Treasurer’s Office. The commission keeps an eye on local government finances and their debts. It was established in 1931 to help local governments manage their finances in the face of bank failures. 

Under House Bill 268, Marshall would be removed from the LGC, and the Senate leader would appoint a member to replace her. Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, currently holds that position, but he will not be returning to office next year, having narrowly lost his primary.

Berger told reporters Tuesday that he was not involved in the provision to replace Marshall. 

In a statement, Marshall called the change “a power grab,” noting that the Secretary of State has been a member of the commission since the Great Depression.

Cooper, Stein sue GOP leaders to block law stripping governor’s power over NC elections board

“I have fulfilled this obligation faithfully, fully, and with great rigor during my 8 terms,” Marshall said. “Almost 30 years of valuable input and institutional knowledge was superseded by a purely political power grab.

“As an attorney who cares deeply about the success of our communities, especially the economic enhancement of our rural areas, and as the first woman elected to statewide executive branch office, it’s not lost on me – nor should it be lost on anyone – that a strong woman leader has been forced off the Commission,” Marshall said.

Removing Marshall comes as the main state budget legislators approved earlier this month also reduced the governor’s appointments to the commission from three to one. 

The budget corrections bill also provides that governors’ appointees to Cabinet positions cannot keep their jobs if the Senate does not confirm them before the General Assembly adjourns its two-year session. Those appointees would not be eligible for reappointment. 

Sen. Lisa Grafstein, D-Wake, said during debate that the provision violates separation of powers because it infringes on a governor’s job to appoint people to key roles.

A spokesperson from Gov. Josh Stein’s office said in a statement, “Our office is reviewing the bill.”

Stein signs $34B North Carolina budget with pay raises, lower taxes

In addition to appointment changes, the bill would also earmark millions of state dollars for sports events. 

The bill authorizes up to $40 million to secure at least four PGA Tour championship qualifying events for Greensboro. The Wyndham Championship is played each year at the Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro. 

The bill would also spend $25 million on the Military World Games. The games are being held in North and South Carolina. Charlotte is the host for the games.

The Senate gave final approval to  House Bill 268  on Wednesday with a vote of 31-6. It still needs approval from the state House, expected next week, before heading to Stein’s desk.

The Senate passed another small budget correction bill, House Bill 562, with a vote of 34-3 with no debate.