Today@NCCapitol (June 1): Senate budget, Medicaid reform on tap

The state Senate will vet its version of a $22.225 billion spending plan through its budget and finance committees. Meanwhile, the House Health Committee will review the McCrory administration's application to the federal government for Medicaid reform.

Posted 10:00 a.m. Jun 1, 2016 — Updated 10:00 a.m. Jun 1, 2016

Mark Binker

and

Laura Leslie

RALEIGH, N.C. — Good morning and welcome to Today@NCCapitol for Wednesday, June 1. Here's what's going on around state government:

BUDGET (9 a.m. and 1 p.m.): The state Senate will review its version of a $22.225 billion state budget. The Appropriations Committee will begin reviewing the budget at 9 a.m. WRAL.com will carry this meeting live online.

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to review the portions of the bill dealing with a proposed tax cut at 1 p.m.

MEDICAID (9 a.m.): Secretary of Health and Human Services Rick Brajer will review the state's proposed Medicaid waver request to the federal government for the House Health Committee. The request is the state's detailed plan for remaking the state's health insurance system for the poor and disabled.

THE GOVERNOR (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.): Gov. Pat McCrory will make an announcement with Brajer at 11 a.m. at the Executive Mansion. At 1 p.m., McCrory will speak to the National Federation of Independent Business' "Day at the Capital."

HOUSE FLOOR (2 p.m.): The state House is scheduled to review House Bill 1080, which will allow charter school companies to take over failing public schools. WRAL.com will carry this meeting live online.

SENATE FLOOR: The state Senate will call itself into session at 9 a.m. for organizational purposes. It will not meet for votes until later in the day. When it does meet, the chamber is scheduled to take up Senate Bill 867, which will provide for FBI background checks on public school teachers.

RALLY (1 p.m.): Those opposed to the bill that would cut tuition at five University of North Carolina system schools to $500 per semester will rally outside the Legislative Building.

ELECTIONS (Noon): Advocates for changes to how the state draws legislative districts will hold a news conference about the "costs of gerrymandering" and the June 7 special election.

COMMITTEES: The General Assembly website publishes a full legislative calendar daily. Here are some of the meetings we're keeping an eye on:

House Transportation (10 a.m.): The committee is scheduled to take up House Bill 954, which would terminate the contract to build toll lanes in the Charlotte area for Interstate 77.

House Judiciary I (12:30 a.m.): The committee will take up Senate Bill 734, which would make antidotes to heroin and other opioids more widely available, and Senate Bill 570, which would allow offenders to expunge certain boating violations from their records.

Senate Education (10:30 a.m.): The committee has a pair of House bills on its calendar, but it's possible both could be gutted and amended to carry other subject matter.

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