Politics

McGrady to help shape state schools budget

State Rep. Chuck McGrady

By Bill Moss, Published: January 8, 2013

State Rep. Chuck McGrady has won a key role in state budget making for schools.

McGrady, the second-term Republican from Hendersonville, said he had asked for a position on the committee that makes up the transportation budget. Instead, House Speaker Tom Tillis appointed McGrady co-chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. It's a powerful role because education makes up a large percentage of the state budget and is often the last piece settled before the Legislature enacts a budget.
"I actually didn't raise my hand for education," McGrady said. "I asked for transportation appropriations, which is more in my area. He (Tillis) basically said, 'Chuck, you're a quick learner and this is a bigger percentage of the state budget.'"
McGrady's appointment gives two Hendersonville legislators powerful roles in both chambers. State Sen. Tom Apodaca is co-chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education/Higher Education.
In addition, freshman Rep. Chris Whitmire, who was chairman of the Transylvania County School Board before he was elected to the state House, was appointed vice chairman of the House Education Committee.