North Carolina legislators will return for the short legislative session on Wednesday, May 18th after coming off the longest long session in our state’s recorded history.
 

What can we expect for this legislative session?

• A short length: Legislators have expressed an interest in keeping this a true short session with plans to wrap up in early July. However, this is not set in stone and legislators can keep the session going as long as they’d like.
• Healthcare Conversations: There will likely be several healthcare related conversations this short session with telehealth, Medicaid Expansion, and legalizing medical marijuana among them. However, NASW-NC has heard that legislators might come back for a special session in the fall to address some of these issues so Medicaid Expansion might not be accomplished in the next few months.
• A budget: NASW-NC anticipates a budget of some sort to be worked on. Legislators passed a budget in late November; however, short session is typically a time when legislators adjust the budget based on federal funds and tax revenues so despite just having passed one, we might see another one or several mini budgets this session. The Governor is expected to release his short session budget in early May and legislators will follow suit with a budget soon after. NASW-NC hopes to see more funding for school social workers in the budget.
• Veto overrides: 17 vetoes are parked in the “veto garage” and legislators can work to overturn any of them. This includes controversial bills such as Critical Race Theory and abortion. NASW-NC is opposed to both bills and was thrilled when Governor Cooper vetoed both last legislative session. See more here and here.
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Despite legislators returning May 18th, they will likely kick off committee meetings and bill filing the following week. Stay tuned for more legislative session updates from NASW-NC!

NASW-NC has been advocating with legislators between each legislative session. See our list of priorities we sent to the Legislative Oversight Committee on Access to Healthcare and Medicaid Expansion and our letter to the State Board of Education. Additionally, NASW-NC has been working in coalitions to advocate for telehealth flexibilities, Medicaid Expansion, funding for school social workers and restoring master’s pay, and more to help provide a voice for social workers at various tables.