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House Speaker Joe Hackney spoke with us scruff press types Thursday afternoon. I've already loaded one out-take regarding mental health. Here are some more audio clips concerning news of the day:

• There has been talk, by Republicans and Democrats, about a bill that would amend the constitution to restrict government use of eminent domain. Republicans sent out a news release on it earlier this week and there are Senate and House versions of the bill.

  Hackney was a little circumspect, saying, "I really think that amending the constitution is a serious, serious thing and deserves not be used for a remedy for the passion of the moment."

  Click here to listen his whole answer.

• The N.C. Association of County Commissioners were fuzzy with excitement about a House bill that would cap the county share of Medicaid costs. The House measure has 119 co-sponsors.

  At a separate news conference this afternoon, Rep. Bill Owens (D-Pasquotank) talked up the bill. (Click for audio.)

  Well, there are 120 members in the House and member 120, Hackney, was not so enthusiastic:

  "On the other hand, I think it's obvious we don't have $100 million that's available for that subject right now."
  
  Click here for his whole answer.

• Gov. Easley wants to monkey about with the lottery distribution formula.

  One of the areas that he wants to change is formula by which proceeds are sent to different programs. Hackney says that proposal is "actively under discussion," mainly because of its impact on the budget.

  Click here for Hackney's full answer on the lottery.

• Finally, the House voted to apologize for the state's part in slavery this week.

  Some members said afterward that the General Assembly needed to follow up the apology with concrete acts of contrition - changing some state laws or funding certain programs. I asked Hackney about this:

  "The best thing we can do in that regard is improve our educational system."

  Click here for his full response.