NC Lawmakers Clash Over Budget, Social Issues

0:00It's April 21st. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Durham News Today, local news powered by AI. North Carolina lawmakers head back to the State House Tuesday for their new session, still stuck without a fresh budget. The only state in the nation in, that spot, Republicans run both chambers. But they're clashing overspending priorities like raises for hundreds of thousands of state workers and 300. $19 million to keep Medicaid afloat for millions, since it's set to run dry next month. The House pushes bigger paybums for employees, while the Senate wants tax cuts instead, fueling the deadlock that's left workers hanging. Governor Josh Stein jumps in early with a press conference the pitches must do list, from health funding to other needs facing tough odds in the GOP-led setup. Teachers and supporters plan a rally outside, pressing for more school cash after the State Supreme Court, killed a long-running lawsuit that demanded it. Democrats aim to spotlight education, but Republicans have ignored that push before,

1:01and likely will again. GOP leaders eye quick wins on social fronts too, like banning LGBTQ-themed books from elementary libraries, scrapping concealed carry rules, and axing. Diversity programs bills the governor vetoed last year. They're lining up houseboats to override those, betting on a slim edge or absent dems to seal the deal. With November elections looming, and polls favoring Democrats, Republicans might lose their override muscle soon, making this session their shot to. Lock-in policies before any veto stick for years. Keep watching how it unfolds.