Senator Lisa Grafstein discusses the state budget debate and an effort to curb voting rights

With a new state government fiscal year set to commence on July first, North Carolina state legislators have still yet to pass a budget for
the year that’s coming to an end on June 30th. We’re the only state in the union in which this is the case.

While the state has continued to function at a basic level, the lack of funding certainty, and even minimal raises for teachers and other state employees, has caused enormous hardship. Meanwhile, even as the budget and the negotiations around it remain shrouded in secrecy, other important proposals – including more changes to how the state conducts elections – continue to advance.

This past week, Newsline caught up with Wake County state Senator Lisa Grafstein to learn what Republican legislative leaders are telling rank and file members, and why from her perspective, average North Carolinians should be deeply concerned.

We also discussed legislation that would place new burdens on local government by capping property taxes and limiting their options for dealing with homeless populations, and yet another new effort to alter coastal policy without first hearing from and listening to the science experts.

Click here to listen to the full interview with Senator Lisa Grafstein.