9th District Spending

With the special election in the 9th Congressional District scheduled for September 10, both the Republican and Democratic Parties are ratcheting up the spending on the race, featuring Republican State Senator Dan Bishop and Democrat Dan McCready.  Most observers believe this to be a tight race, and it is receiving national attention because of the heavy losses in the Congressional races in 2018 by the Republicans.  This is viewed as a bell-weather race for what may happen in 2020.  
https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2019/08/north-carolina-special-attracts-outside-money/

Xerox Jobs

North Carolina’s Triangle area received another economic boost with the announcement of Xerox of expanding in this area.  The company is going to create 600 new jobs with an investment of $16M.  Governor Cooper made the announcement and indicated that incentives were a big part of the company’s decision.  Opponents of incentives continue to point to the unfairness of such system and called for the repeal of them again.
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article233949962.html

Session Cost

Although budget negotiations have stalled, the NC General Assembly continues to sporadically meet and give a second look to pending bills.  Regardless of the slow-down of the pace resulting from the stalemate with the budget, legislators are still being paid their per diem and travel expenses for attending sessions.  Most insiders of the legislative process do not see any progress in sight regarding the budget differences between the General Assembly leadership and the Governor, who vetoed the budget. 
https://www.wral.com/meter-keeps-running-on-legislative-session-as-budget-stalemate-drags-on/18571225/

Association Health Plans

After months of negotiation this bill which would allow small businesses to join associations and be treated much like large companies, letting them pool their membership and offer insurance plans regulated by the Department of Insurance, has  passed both chambers and lands on the Governor’s desk today. The bill is supported by the major associations in North Carolina (NC Chamber, Retail Merchants, Home Builders, Realtors, Farm Bureau). It appears that the bill is likely to be vetoed by the Governor. Supporters of the bill have taken out ads urging the Governor not to veto the bill. The Governor has 10 days to act on the bill.
https://www.wral.com/supporters-brace-for-veto-on-association-health-plans-bill/18569379/#.XVbFmvLK_QQ.twitter