Here's a little curiosity via reporting from The Charlotte Observer. The General Assembly approved four new inspectors' positions intended to step up oversight of poultry plants, which carry certain hazards for workers. But the state Department of Labor indicates it may not focus the new spots that way. According to the Observer, it was understood by lawmakers, but not specified, that the jobs would go toward poultry plant inspection. Yet a department spokesperson said the jobs would be spread "across the board for all industries."

Legislators shouldn't have to write into the law specifics as to how the Department of Labor uses money created for certain jobs. But it would seem appropriate that the department, well-aware of the intent of funding, would follow the wishes of those who made it possible. The need for more thorough oversight of poultry plants certainly has been demonstrated -- with the Charlotte newspaper reporting the consequences when workers aren't adequately protected.

Democrats control the General Assembly. Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry is a Republican. Might there be a little partisan gamesmanship here? If so, it's not too smart on the part of those running the bureaucracy, because this is exactly the kind of thing that causes lawmakers to become more specific with appropriations, and thus in effect to assume charge of some priorities within a state department.

It should have been clear to Labor Department officials what the intent of this legislation was, and it would have been easy enough for officials of the department to work in tandem with legislators, not engage in some silly act of thumbing their noses at them.