NC General Assembly

The article argues that privatizing North Carolina's state mental hospitals, a critical safety net and training ground for behavioral health workers, is detrimental. Legislation like H1104 proposes studying this change, but opponents warn it threatens current services and research capabilities. Evidence suggests privatization can lead to significantly declined access to hospital beds, harming low-income residents and often sacrificing quality of care.

The article argues that privatizing North Carolina's state mental hospitals is a bad idea despite current staffing struggles and diminished bed capacity. These state hospitals have historically been critical safety nets for indigent patients and essential training grounds for the state’s mental health workforce. Evidence suggests privatization could lead to significantly reduced access to hospital beds, negatively impacting low-income residents and overall quality of care.

The N.C. General Assembly is considering a supplementary budget bill allocating $25 million for the 2027 Military World Games in Charlotte. Funds include $17.5 million for venue improvements administered by the N.C. Department of Commerce and $7.5 million for UNC Charlotte to cover on-campus competition venues and athlete housing. The event, scheduled for June 25 through July 4, 2027, will be hosted by Charlotte, the first U.S. city to be selected for the quadrennial international competition.