Weekly Wrap: David Price, redistricting, limits on emergency powers

Public hearings are set for Monday and Tuesday to gather input on the proposed maps before, based on what's happened before, the Republican majority passes maps that benefit themselves and Democratic-aligned groups sue to get new maps drawn.

North Carolina gets a 14th seat in the U.S. House because of its population growth, so the maps have to account for that. Also, the lines for the 4th Congressional District could conceivably change now that longtime Democratic Congressman David Price says he won't seek re-election and will retire at the end of 2022. Price has represented much of the Triangle since 1987, save one two-year period in the mid-1990s.

Legislative leaders and Gov. Roy Cooper are still negotiating the state budget behind closed doors, with no sign of when they might reach a deal. The fiscal year started July 1.

House Speaker Tim Moore said Medicaid expansion won't be part of any budget deal. Legislation the House sent to Cooper this week limiting his emergency powers might be a bargaining chip in the process. The bill, which Cooper is expected to veto, would require the governor to obtain Council of State approval for any state of emergency longer than seven days and then legislative approval if it went beyond 45 days.

Finally, incoming Rep. Donnie Loftis, R-Gaston, is already getting sideways glances for his presence at the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riots. He enthusiastically supported the protesters in Facebook posts at the time, but when questioned this week, he condemned the attack on the Capitol and said he was there only for a rally that preceded the insurrection.