News 14 Carolina - Political Connections

Speaker Hackney held an interesting news conference this morning. A parade of leading House Democrats filed into the press room and Speaker Hackney stood in front of them to make a big announcement about the state's poor graduation/dropout rates.

What was that announcement? They will hold two public hearings about the issue. Not to downplay public hearings but to hold a press conference about that?

Now don't get me wrong because we in the press always appreciate any opportunity to speak with the Speaker, but many of us were just surprised.

Hackney did say some money would be put aside in the House budget to fund pilot programs that come out of these public hearings.

It is interesting though that these lawmakers are reaching out to the general public for solutions. Not always the case!