- While 3,100 hurricane survivors lack permanent homes, ReBuild NC employees earn big salaries (NC Newsline, 10/12/2023)
- A legislative oversight committee in North Carolina has criticized the state’s hurricane recovery program, ReBuild NC, for mismanagement and inefficiencies. The agency, tasked with helping hurricane survivors, has been under scrutiny for its wasteful spending of federal funds, including excessive salaries for top officials and ineffective programs. Despite intense scrutiny, ReBuild NC has faced no serious consequences, leaving more than 3,100 homeowners stuck in various phases of the recovery process, raising concerns about the agency’s mission and effectiveness.
- About 1,000 North Carolinians a day enroll in expanded Medicaid. Is that good? (NC Newsline, 2/7/2024)
- Around 1,000 people daily are enrolling in government health insurance through Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, with approximately 349,000 of the estimated 600,000 eligible individuals having enrolled since the program’s launch on December 1. State Senator Ralph Hise expressed concern about the seemingly slow initial push in enrollment, prompting discussions at two legislative oversight hearings about strategies to increase participation. The state aims to complete the two-year enrollment projection faster than anticipated, with the federal government covering 90% of the cost for those enrolled in expanded Medicaid.
- Outdated? Flash drives and government transparency (The Carolina Journal, 2/14/2024)
- The General Assembly in 2024 has moved away from copying committee hearings onto CDs, opting for flash drives instead, according to the legislative library staff. However, access to committee footage remains limited, requiring public members to contact the legislative library to retrieve past footage. Despite livestreaming House sessions on YouTube, committee footage is not readily available for replay, prompting calls for improved public access and transparency, especially for those unable to attend hearings in person or during working hours.
- NC legislators push to rein in government overreach with REINS Act (The Carolina Journal, 3/18/2025)
- North Carolina legislators have introduced a state-level version of the REINS Act that would require legislative approval for any state agency rule with an economic impact exceeding $1 million. Supporters argue the bill would strengthen oversight of executive agencies and prevent regulatory overreach, while opponents raise concerns about delays in implementing important rules. The proposal follows similar efforts in other states and reflects ongoing debates over the balance of power between legislative and executive branches.
- House oversight committee continues “agency reset” hearings (North State Journal, 3/21/2025)
- The House Oversight Committee continued its series of “agency reset” hearings, focusing on reviewing state agencies’ performance and accountability measures. Lawmakers questioned agency leaders about budget utilization, staffing concerns, and the implementation of previous audit recommendations. Committee members emphasized the need for improved transparency and efficiency in state operations.
- Expert warns of ‘benefits cliff’ as North Carolina considers study of welfare program consolidation (The Carolina Journal, 4/2/2024)
- A joint legislative oversight committee heard expert testimony on the issue of benefits cliffs, where slight wage increases can lead families to lose public benefits, resulting in a net income loss. Lawmakers are considering a study bill on benefits cliffs and potentially consolidating welfare programs under the “One Door” policy. Solutions such as implementing transition periods for benefit losses could help families navigate these challenges and promote long-term economic advancement.
- Legislative investigation: ABSS violated state laws and its own policies in no-bid mold contracts (The Alamance News, 6/13/2024)
- The Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) is facing allegations that it violated state laws and its own policies by awarding no-bid contracts for mold remediation, according to a legislative investigation. The report by the Joint Legislative Commission on Government Operations suggests that the school system’s handling of mold issues and contract awards may have circumvented competitive bidding processes and transparency requirements. The investigation also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and lack of oversight in the contracting process.
- NC Innovation president testifies under oath to state lawmakers on group’s finances, oversight (WRAL News, 7/9/2024)
- NC Innovation president, Bennett Waters, testified before the North Carolina House Oversight Committee, defending the group’s mission to enhance the state’s competitiveness in the national ‘innovation arms race.’ The public-private partnership, backed by $500 million in state funding, aims to replicate the success of the Research Triangle Park in other cities with public universities across North Carolina. Despite criticism and calls for an audit from a board member, Waters assured the committee that the board has oversight over the management and that the professional staff is balancing the organization’s needs with board requests. The group has not yet used state funding for grants, relying instead on private donations and investment income. Some lawmakers expressed doubts about the program’s investment returns and the bypassing of the vetting process during budget negotiations.
- Scathing audit for N.C. oversight of nursing homes (NC Health News, 12/21/2024)
- A recent audit by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor criticizes the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for failing to conduct timely inspections and investigations of nursing homes. The audit found that 68% of inspections were delayed, with some facilities going over 20 months without review, and 39% of complaints were not investigated within the mandated 60-day period. DHHS attributes these delays to staffing shortages and increased workloads during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- NC lawmakers holding Helene hearings as they plan more recovery funding (WUNC, 1/29/2025)
- A North Carolina legislative oversight committee held a hearing on recovery efforts in western North Carolina following Helene, with lawmakers and Gov. Josh Stein’s administration discussing funding shortfalls and rebuilding priorities. Officials reported that the state expects to receive about $15.7 billion in federal aid, significantly less than the $26 billion requested, raising concerns about delays in permanent housing recovery and infrastructure repairs. Lawmakers emphasized the need for clear funding requests, while state officials highlighted priorities such as rebuilding private roads and bridges, addressing housing delays, and removing storm debris to reduce wildfire risks.
- State auditor rolls out Helene recovery dashboard (North State Journal, 2/23/2025)
- The North Carolina State Auditor has launched the Helene Recovery Dashboard to track the use of federal disaster relief funds. The tool is intended to improve transparency and oversight of spending related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Officials hope the dashboard will help identify delays or mismanagement in fund distribution.
- House oversight committee continues “agency reset” hearings (North State Journal, 3/21/2025)
- The House Oversight Committee continued its series of “agency reset” hearings, focusing on reviewing state agencies’ performance and accountability measures. Lawmakers questioned agency leaders about budget utilization, staffing concerns, and the implementation of previous audit recommendations. Committee members emphasized the need for improved transparency and efficiency in state operations.
