Win for GOP in N.C. Redistricting Lawsuit

Two More Cases Pending - The 2022 elections are moving ahead as scheduled — so far — after a Wake County judge on Tuesday refused to grant the requests of a voting rights group that wanted to delay the March 8 primary.  The group was seeking to push the primary back to May, to give lawmakers time to redraw the maps they just passed and which will determine the political districts for North Carolina’s 14 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the 170 seats in the state House and Senate. It also wanted to push back candidate filing for the elections, which begins on Monday and lasts through much of December. 
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And, That's (Almost) A Wrap!

The North Carolina General Assembly wrapped up late Monday nearly all of its work for the calendar year, although vetoes, redistricting rulings or other items could bring lawmakers back to Raleigh for more activity within weeks.  The Republican-controlled legislature, which began the session in January, held House and Senate floor votes on more than a dozen measures before members left town.  “We ended up on a very good note.  It took us a long time to get here,” six-term Rep. John Torbett, a Gaston County Republican, said after the adjournment gavel fell in the House.  “It’s an excellent outcome after a long, tedious year.”
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Of Note About the 2021 Legislative Session

• This year's session, which began in earnest on Jan. 27th, marks the second longest uninterrupted annual session since at least 1965  (the longest was in 2001)
• The 2021 session was marked by the first comprehensive budget bill that Gov. Cooper agreed to sign into law since he took office in 2017, and the first enacted in over three year
  • Gov. Cooper has signed 143 bills into law; 7 bills are pending the Governor’s signature (earliest passed on Nov. 30th – he has 10 days to sign or veto; with no action, bill becomes law)
  • Only 1 bill has become law this session without the Governor’s signature (no action by Governor for 10 days from passage and automatically enrolled
  • Gov. Cooper has vetoed 13 bills this long session
  • 8 bills remain in conference committees at the legislature awaiting resolution
  • 2021 Adjournment Resolution
• Session will adjourn on Dec. 10, 2021 (not sine die)
• The legislature will reconvene on Dec. 30, 2021 (with mandated criteria of matters which may be considered)

Introducing Kody Kinsley?

After nearly five years with Dr. Mandy Cohen at the helm, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services will soon have a new secretary leading the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic and other public health challenges, including the burgeoning opioid epidemic.  On Tuesday, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Cohen, who has led DHHS since the start of his first term in January 2017, and has been the face of North Carolina's efforts to curb COVID-19, will step down at the end of the year.  New DHHS Secretary-appointed, Kody Kinsley, who currently serves as Chief Deputy Secretary for Health at NC DHHS, will succeed Cohen beginning January 1st.   So, let’s get to know Kody Kinsley.
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N.C. Trooper Presented Congressional Badge of Bravery

Trooper Daniel Harrell was shot in the face and neck. A suspect rammed his patrol car. Still, he continued pursuit until backup could arrive and make an arrest.  Harrell, who was seriously injured during that Jan. 14, 2019, traffic stop was presented Monday with the Congressional Badge of Bravery by his Senator, Thom Tillis. 
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NOTE:  Because the General Assembly will not be in Session on a regular basis, the Old North State Report will not be published each week going forward, but only on an as-needed basis.