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This week in NC politics: Major proposed changes to health care and public education

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina main campus in Durham.
BCBSNC
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina main campus in Durham.

A bill moving quickly through the North Carolina legislature would permit the state's largest health insurer to transform away from being a true nonprofit.

Under the proposal, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina would have greater leeway to invest some of its multi-billion dollars in assets as it sees fit. Supporters say this gives the insurer more flexibility and helps to increase its competitiveness. Opponents, including Republican state Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, railed against the plan, citing corporate greed as the leading motivator.

Also this week, legislative Republicans want to again expand the voucher program known as Opportunity Scholarships. This plan would allow every North Carolina family to utilize a voucher, or public tax dollars, toward a private education.

Presently, a family of four with a household income greater than $111,000 does not qualify for any voucher funds. This plan would remove a cap and prorate funds for wealthier families.

On this edition of Week in State Politics, host Jeff Tiberii speaks with WUNC Capital Bureau Chief Colin Campbell and Founder and Editor-in-chief of North Carolina Health News Rose Hoban.

Jeff Tiberii is the co-host of WUNC's "Due South." Jeff joined WUNC in 2011. During his 20 years in public radio, he was Morning Edition Host at WFDD and WUNC’s Greensboro Bureau Chief and later, the Capitol Bureau Chief. Jeff has covered state and federal politics, produced the radio documentary “Right Turn,” launched a podcast, and was named North Carolina Radio Reporter of the Year four times.
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