John M. Blust
Coverage of John M. Blust in the Nexus archive.
- $34 billion NC budget on its way to Gov. Josh Stein after year-long delay
North Carolina's $34 billion budget passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support and moves to Gov. Josh Stein for approval. The budget includes a 23% tax on sports betting revenue and a 6% tax on prediction market trading sites, drawing criticism for potential revenue loss to UNC schools. Legislative delays caused a year-long gap in passing a comprehensive budget.
- NC property tax moratorium, on collision course with county budgets, heads for final vote
North Carolina's House approved Senate Bill 889 to block some local governments from using new property tax revaluations in 2026, with Republicans supporting and most Democrats opposing. Critics argue it would harm county services and schools, citing a potential $58 million loss for Guilford County Schools, while supporters claim it protects tax-burdened residents.