North Carolina

N.C. Advocates, Business Leaders React To Immigration Proposal

Michael Tomsic — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:03:24 +0000

"A good first step." That's how some North Carolina immigration advocates and business leaders are describing the immigration overhaul filed in the U.S. Senate Wednesday.

N.C. Medicaid Director: Overhaul 'Is Not A Budget Exercise'

Michael Tomsic — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:34:04 +0000

Governor Pat McCrory outlined a plan to significantly change North Carolina's Medicaid program last week. A key person responsible for filling in the details is Carol Steckel. She's the director of the state's Medicaid program, and she spoke to WFAE's Michael Tomsic about the reasons for the overhaul and how it's designed to work.

Gov. McCrory Announces Big Changes For N.C Medicaid

Michael Tomsic — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:17:11 +0000

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory plans to make major changes to the state's Medicaid system. About ~~1.8~~ 1.5 million North Carolinians who are low-income, young, elderly or disabled rely on Medicaid for health coverage.

N.C., S.C. Hospitals Deal With 'Nightmare Bacteria'

Michael Tomsic — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 22:59:59 +0000

Hospitals in the Carolinas are dealing with a growing threat from a type of superbug. It's only infected a small percentage of patients. But that percentage is on the rise, and the infections can be deadly.

The superbug is called CRE, and a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control describes it as "nightmare bacteria."

Dr. Katie Passaretti of Carolinas HealthCare System said it's evolved into something extremely difficult to treat.

I-485, Unusual Interchanges Should Be Finished By Dec. 2014

Michael Tomsic — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:10:21 +0000

Interstate-485 will finally become a complete loop next year, and some northern sections will feature unusual interchanges. State and federal transportation officials gave that update Tuesday while standing at the edge of one of the interchanges.

The rain didn't keep Davis Diggs and Gary Eudy from showing off how their babies are almost all grown up.

"We're standing at the border between Gary's project and my interchange," Diggs said. On one side, there's concrete road, and on the other, paved dirt.

NC Democrats Need To Call Up Some Fresh Faces

Michael Bitzer — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:43:27 +0000

With the release of the provocative and no holds barred “NC 2013 Legislative Strategy” memo as reported by The Charlotte Observer, liberal advocacy groups are finally learning the lessons that conservative groups have been teaching them for some time: Be prepared to play the same game and have a playbook.

Another Temporary Fix For 1,300 North Carolinians In Group Homes

Michael Tomsic — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 22:48:10 +0000

The North Carolina legislature is poised to pass a temporary fix to prevent more than 1,300 people in group homes from losing their place to live. The legislation allows them to continue receiving Medicaid services in their group homes until July.

This is probably the last temporary fix for people in group homes with a mental illness, developmental disability or Alzheimer's.

State Of State Speech Focuses On Economy, Education And Efficiency

Michael Tomsic — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:58:02 +0000

In his first State of the State address, Gov. Pat McCrory Monday night pledged to work to lower North Carolina's income tax rates, cut the amount of money the state wastes on Medicaid, and make vocational training a larger part of the state's education system.

Gov. McCrory said his administration will focus on "fixing the economy, transforming education and improving government efficiency." Here's the first step:

Gov. McCrory Weighs In On Obamacare

Michael Tomsic — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 16:03:09 +0000

Governor Pat McCrory said Tuesday morning that North Carolina is not ready to participate in two major parts of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. At least for now, the state will not expand Medicaid or be involved in running a health insurance exchange.

Through Stopgap, Group Care Homes Find Funding For January

Michael Tomsic — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 21:31:25 +0000

Governor Bev Perdue announced Tuesday a temporary stopgap to keep about 1,400 North Carolinians from potentially becoming homeless next month. Perdue is moving money around to allow people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities to continue receiving care in group homes.

As is often the case with disability issues in North Carolina, this one evolved from a lawsuit.