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Foxx
Foxx
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx railed against the state Department of Health and Human Services from the floor of the U.S. House chamber last week, saying it was wasting national taxpayers' money.
The new Medicaid claims system that Computer Sciences Corp. is building for the state is going to cost nearly twice as much as the contracted amount, according to a state audit.
The state awarded a $265 million contract to CSC in 2009.
A state audit last week said total cost overruns would reach $320.3 million, including the cost to keep the current system running during the months that startup of the new system is delayed.
This is an issue for taxpayers nationwide, said Foxx, a Republican from Banner Elk and a former state senator, because the federal government is expected to pay 90 percent of the cost.
"That means that all taxpayers, including North Carolina taxpayers, will be shelling out an extra $200 million to cover for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' incompetence and inability to keep a lid on costs," Foxx said, adding that the department is "flushing $200 million of (taxpayers') money down the toilet."
Education post contenders?
Democratic state schools Superintendent June Atkinson won't say whether she's seeking re-election in 2012 - but one Democrat isn't waiting for an answer.
State Rep. Rick Glazier, a Fayetteville Democrat, formed an official campaign committee earlier this month, the first step in a possible bid for the state's top education post. The Glazier for Superintendent committee formed Dec. 6 with John G. Buie Jr. as treasurer.
Democratic state lawmaker Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County also is looking at running for superintendent of public instruction. But she has not made a formal announcement. Atkinson has said she will decide about another term after the New Year.
Cotham said she will run if Atkinson doesn't. "However, unlike others," she said, "I support my friend June Atkinson and intend to announce my candidacy only if and when she decides that she will not seek re-election."
A candidate like Jesse?
In his TV ad, congressional candidate Vernon Robinson calls himself the "black Jesse Helms."
But the folks at the Jesse Helms Center are not pleased. "I personally find that ad disgusting and I am sure Senator Helms would agree with me," said John Dodd, the center's president.
Don't tell Robinson, though. The third-time candidate tries so hard to link himself with the former U.S. senator that Helms' name is mentioned no less than four times in the minute-long spot. He even touts the endorsement of Helms' son.
As a nonprofit foundation, the center doesn't endorse candidates but the implication is Helms gives Robinson his blessing, Dodd said.
"I find it sad," he added, "that Mr. Robinson is trying to imply an endorsement by Senator Helms, who has been deceased for three and a half years."