NOTE: The IIANC Governmental Affairs Program is hosting a FREE webinar on Tuesday, September 8th at 12 noon with Dr. Jason Husser, Director of the Elon University Poll, providing insights and analysis of the result from their most recent public opinion survey, NC Political Landscape: Understanding the Identities and Mindsets of the State’s Electorate. Click HERE to register.

And, on September 28th we’ll be holding a special Thinkers Lunch hosted by AARP at Meredith College in Raleigh for the release of a statewide poll that includes insights on voter attitudes, what issues are motivating voters, and head-to-head numbers in key races on the November ballot. Doors open at 11:30 am, the buffet line opens at 11:45 am, with the polling presentation starting at 12 noon. Click HERE to register (use promo code AARP when you register and attend for FREE).

Quick Summary

The adjournment resolution adopted by the NC General Assembly on July 2^nd contained stated dates for sessions each month thru the end of the year – including for this week – but it appears it won’t be before November 16^th that the state legislature returns to Raleigh.

But, we’ll be bringing you a Raleigh Report each time the legislature might be back in town – the next edition will come your way on October 2^nd.

Right after the Legislature left in July, Democratic Governor Josh Stein did sign SB 257, the agreed-upon budget passed by the Republican-led legislature, saying there were things in it he disagreed with but that overall there was more good than bad including pay raised for teachers and state employees.

Governor Stein also signed:

HB 268, making technical adjustments to the budget, including providing more funding for Hurricane Helene relief.

HB 562, making additional budget corrections.

HB 834, making changes to how ballots are counted and procedures when absentee ballots are submitted without voter signature.

Governor Stein vetoed:

HB 958, that expanded the State Auditor's authority to review county election boards following an election.

HB 377, that provided the chief justice of the state supreme court the authority to suspend without pay any judge being investigated by the state Judicial Standards Commission.

Although it will be after the election when the General Assembly returns in November, it’s the current members of the state legislature who will be meeting – those elected / re-elected on November 3^rd won’t take office until January 2027.

Certainly the override of vetoed legislation will be on the November session agenda, as well as things the GOP leadership wants to get done in 2026 if the results of Election Day significantly change the partisan balance in the legislature starting in 2027.

Top on the TO DO list for the IIANC Governmental Affairs Program will be getting our Legislative Agenda items in HB 356 across the finish line.

Final Note

If you have not yet made your 2026 contribution to IIANC’s state political action committee, iPAC, please take a minute right now to do so by clicking HERE.

Your contribution of $30, $60 or $120 or more (Governmental Affairs Program Manager Allison June Mabe is showing off her YETI tumbler, which every iPAC contributor at this level and above receives) is truly the best way for you to support all the advocacy work IIANC does on your behalf – THANK YOU!