Speaker Destin Hall previews the short session now underway and breaks down the path forward on the state budget after last year’s budget stalemate.

The Speaker walks listeners through his priorities, what’s changed since last year, and whether there’s a realistic path to breaking the impasse. He also reflects on his first year holding the gavel: what he’s learned, his leadership style, and he talks about "the Schedule".

Plus, Skye and Brian run through a packed week: first-day-of-session vibes, the latest on Medicaid rebasing, where budget negotiations stand, and Governor Josh Stein rolling out his proposed budget. We also hit the formation of a new investigative committee, the swearing-in of three new legislators, a few early session predictions, how AI is creeping into policymaking conversations, and plenty more from around Jones Street.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.