WHAT HAPPENED: A lot more than in the past couple weeks -- and some welcomed news in the General Assembly-approved
extension of the historic rehabilitation tax credit, so important to the economy, state's history and revitalizations that boost local property values and quality of life. Otherwise, new legislative language came up on various topics, like
redistricting reform and
smokable hemp (proposed to be outlawed next June), as well as a provision that could boost sales tax revenue for cities and towns.
WHAT IT MEANS: Enough sizable items moved this week, along with board appointments often reserved as session closing duties, to come off as clues that we're truly nearing an end -- granting we've said this in various ways in recent weeks.
ON TAP: If the 2019 long session really does have a checkered flag on the rise, it doesn't mean an end to all legislative business for the year. We may see an adjournment resolution of sorts that calls lawmakers back to Raleigh for matters hanging out there, whether that's this year or in early 2020, ahead of the legislative short session that usually begins mid-year. The even-numbered-year short session is generally meant for continued consideration of active, leftover bills from the long session as well as budget tweaks -- though recall that we don't have a comprehensive budget in law this year; just a series of approved "mini" budget bills that at this point tally close to what a comprehensive budget would anyway.
THE SKINNY: You probably have it by now. It's been a much busier week as lawmakers tighten their stares on final priorities, including the historic rehabilitation tax credit they've extended four years. Read on for more updates from the week.
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