Old North News

The organization Common Cause North Carolina has criticized the budget process of the NC General Assembly, accusing lawmakers of neglecting public input and transparency. The scrutiny follows the release of the Senate's $32.6 billion budget plan, which was disclosed less than 48 hours before a legislative vote. This budget, according to critics, was formulated without adequate public or bipartisan discussion.

The concerns revolve around significant policy changes included in the budget. Critics argue that the proposal continues to favor wealthier populations with tax cuts while reducing funding for essential programs like the Innocence Inquiry Commission—a state-funded body that plays a pivotal role in overturning wrongful convictions.

Robyn Sanders, an advisory board member of Common Cause North Carolina and an active participant in the Innocence Project at Duke University School of Law, underscored the importance of the Commission. “I’ve seen what it takes to undo the damage when the system convicts an innocent person,” Sanders commented. She emphasized that the Commission was "established with bipartisan support."

In response to these budgetary tactics, Common Cause North Carolina is advocating for a budget process that embraces public input, mandates transparency, and allows for substantial debate. They argue that the current system of decision-making, done privately by a small group of politicians, is inadequate and does not meet the needs of the state's residents.

Common Cause NC describes itself as a nonpartisan grassroots organization striving to uphold democracy's core values, focusing on developing a transparent government that represents public interests, and ensuring equal rights and representation for all.