If you want to know where the primary hot-spot races are, follow the House Republican Campaign Committee and the Indiana Republican Party. By that measure, state Reps. Sharon Negele and Jim Lucas are battling for their careers.  Rep. Negele received $4,200 from the HRCC and $43,000 from the GOP as she tries to ward off a challenge from Warren County Commissioner Matthew Commons.  In House District 69, HRCC threw a $50,000 lifeline to Rep. Lucas, who pleaded guilty to driving ... The post HRCC spending to prop up Reps. Negele, Lucas appeared first on State Affairs ..read more

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch lamented voters’ apparent disinterest in the historic open-seat May 7 Republican gubernatorial primary election during a news conference following Tuesday night’s final gubernatorial debate.  “When I travel the state, I’m just disappointed and discouraged by the lack of interest, the lack of enthusiasm and probably the lack of participation in the first competitive Republican race that many of us have seen in our lifetime,” she said after the 90-minute debate.  Crouch said she will continue to speak to the issues ... The post Crouch laments ..read more

Sen. Michael A. Lazzara, R-Onslow, questioned Secretary of the Department of Transportation nominee Joey Hopkins on numerous issues related to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Lazzara stated that at an October meeting with legislators, DMV commissioner Wayne Goodwin claimed that he did not request legislation to extend the expiration date of driver licenses from eight to sixteen years, and that it was a result of the General Assembly. Lazzara said it was “quickly brought to light” that Goodwin requested and ... The post Transportation Secretary nominee grilled on DMV complaints  ap ..read more

You Don’t Say “There are probably a lot of things that we won’t be able to work with.” Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, on Gov. Roy Cooper’s budget proposal. (The News & Observer, 4/24/24) Cooper’s Budget Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan, The News & Observer, 4/24/24 North Carolina state lawmakers returned to Raleigh on Wednesday for the start of the General Assembly’s short session. The Republican-controlled legislature’s goals include passing a budget adjustment bill. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper told reporters what he wants ... The post Insider for April 25, 2024 appeared first o ..read more

The House of Representatives welcomed the addition of Rep. Jerry “Alan” Branson, R-Guilford, on Wednesday. He will replace the outgoing Jon Hardister who elected to resign. Branson was administered the oath of office on April 19 and will occupy Seat 85. He will serve on the following standing committees: Education – Universities, Judiciary 2, UNC Board of Governors Nominations, Finance, Local Government. Branson was appointed by the executive committee of the Guilford County Republican Party. The post Branson welcomed at House of Representatives appeared first on State Affairs ..read more

ATLANTA — Today Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation criminalizing squatting, the illegal practice of entering and residing on someone else’s property without their consent.  The Georgia Squatter Reform Act makes squatting a misdemeanor criminal offense, punishable by up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. It also speeds up the timeline to evict a squatter, giving landlords and law enforcement more tools to establish that someone is trespassing and to demand that they leave. “It is nothing short of insane that there are some who are entering other people’s homes and claiming them as ..read more

Gov. Laura Kelly signed the state budget Wednesday — after line-item vetoing more than 30 sections of the bill, including funding for a “southwest border mission.” Kelly thanked the Legislature for passing Senate Bill 28. The House approved the bill 78-44, and it passed the Senate 26-12. “This budget makes important investments in economic development, infrastructure, and essential services that will positively impact the citizens of Kansas for years to come,” Kelly said in a statement. The governor commended the ... The post Kelly signs budget, but line-item vetoes funds for ‘border mission ..read more

Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed a bill Wednesday that would block Kansas government agencies from acquiring and operating drones produced by “countries of concern.” The governor said Senate Bill 271 is “well-intentioned” but contains “overly broad definitions.” The bill would “end up placing significant burdens on these government consumers, including law enforcement organizations that depend on drone technology to provide essential services and keep Kansans safe,” Kelly said in her veto message. “The legislation requires these consumers to know what goes ... The post Kelly vetoes drone bill, bond cha ..read more

Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the tax cut package Wednesday, setting up an override attempt when the Legislature returns. Kelly said the bill was unsustainable and that Kansas “must be mindful of the fiscal mistakes of the previous administration” when providing tax relief. “While I appreciate the bipartisan effort that went into this tax cut package and support many of the provisions included, I cannot sign into law a bill that jeopardizes our state’s future fiscal stability,” Kelly said in her veto message. Republican leaders quickly vowed to override the veto after lawmakers return Thursday. Hous ..read more

ATLANTA — When Cpl. Anthony Munoz straps on his bullet-proof vest each day and pulls out of the Department of Public Safety headquarters in Atlanta, Munoz never knows how his shift will unfold. What is for certain is that the traffic — of cars, criminals and contraband — is constant.  And what is also true is that there are not nearly enough state troopers on the road to catch them all. A 13-year veteran, trooper Munoz, 45, is part of the department’s Criminal Interdiction Unit, whose main focus is suppressing the robust illegal drug trade flowing through Georgia. Last year the eight-memb ..read more