On the Horizon at the NC General Assembly
The 2021-2022 legislative session of the North Carolina General Assembly began January 13, 2021. The state House and Senate welcomed several new members, and while the Republicans retained control of both chambers, the majority margins have slightly changed. Democrats picked up one seat in the state Senate, reducing the GOP majority to 28-22; and Republicans […]
Not My Problem?
Why people of all ages should care about gambling: I’m a Millennial. I oppose gambling. And the reasons are simple. The gambling industry is a predatory enterprise that hurts real people, often those who can least afford it. For me, the problem is not that gambling creates winners and losers. Gambling does do that, but […]
AT ISSUE: Worth Fighting For
Recent actions by the U.S. Supreme Court and a seemingly unending war chest of financial resources within the industry have breathed new life into the push for legalized gambling across our nation. Opposition to gambling in some states and communities remains strong, but ignorance and indifference to the devastation gambling brings to individuals and families […]
Depolarizing America: The art of talking across the aisle
Imagine this: two political rivals sharing breakfast and conversation together with the goal of listening and understanding rather than debating or convincing. That’s exactly what Traci Griggs, Communications Director at NC Family, and Tracy Hollister, former Program Manager at Marriage Equality USA, are doing on an ongoing basis. On paper, these women could not be […]
Daily Fantasy Sports: Is It Gambling?
DOWNLOAD ENTIRE ARTICLE (with images and endnotes) If you are a listener to talk radio or a viewer of major sports channels, you have undoubtedly been bombarded by ads for DraftKings, FanDuel, and other online sports gambling sites that promise the opportunity to win millions. If not, then you may have become aware of the controversy […]
AT ISSUE: Balancing Act
After a nearly eight-year hiatus, I am returning to once again take on the role of Communications Director here at NC Family. Besides returning to the job with some further education (academic and from the school of hard knocks), I also bring a bit more understanding of how to balance my desire to be a […]
North Carolina Lawmaking: 2015 General Assembly Review
DOWNLOAD ENTIRE ARTICLE (with images and endnotes) After meeting for over 8 months, the North Carolina General Assembly adjourned the 2015 “Long Legislative Session” on September 30. State lawmakers reached final agreement on a $21.74 billion state budget on September 18, over 11 weeks past the start of the state’s 2015-16 fiscal year. Despite the delay […]
Going Off the Reservation
DOWNLOAD ENTIRE ARTICLE (with images and endnotes) “OFF THE RESERVATION” is a term used so often that it has become part of the American lexicon. The saying has its roots in yesteryear, and literally means that someone has left their established tribal or home base boundaries. “Off the reservation” was used in its literal sense […]
The Big Question
We have many supporters across North Carolina and wherever I go, the number one question these days goes something like this: “Now that the Republicans are in charge, I bet your job is a lot easier.” Usually, my response is, “Hopefully.” Let me explain. The North Carolina Family Policy Council is a nonpartisan organization. That […]
Interview: Natasha Dow Schüll, Ph.D.
Natasha Dow Schüll, Ph.D., is associate professor in the Program in Science, Technology and Society at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She is a cultural anthropologist, whose documentary, “BUFFET: All You Can Eat Las Vegas,” has screened multiple times on PBS and appeared in numerous film festivals. More recently, she is the author of […]