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Don’t get hammered or you’ll go to the slammer!
From the office of Gov. Bev Perdue:
“Booze It & Lose It: Operation Firecracker” Campaign Kicks Off Today
Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that state and local law enforcement officers will be out in full force over the Fourth of July holiday as part of the “Booze It & Lose It: Operation Firecracker” campaign. Checkpoints and stepped-up patrols will be conducted Monday, June 29, through Sunday, July 5, across the state in an effort to remove impaired drivers from the roads.
“Too many people fail to understand that alcohol and driving don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accident, nor is it a victimless crime,” Perdue said. “Law enforcement officers will crack down on impaired drivers, ensuring that everyone is celebrating the holiday responsibly.”
There were 377 alcohol-related crashes, 322 with injuries and 12 that resulted in fatalities, over the Independence Day week last year.
Officers charged more than 1,900 North Carolina motorists with driving while impaired during the 2008 “Booze It & Lose It: Operation Firecracker” campaign. More than 5,700 stepped-up patrols and checkpoints were held.
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Economic Recovery Road Project Awarded to Rep. Allen’s District
From the office of N.C. Rep. Lucy Allen:
RALEIGH, N.C. - Rep. Lucy Allen is pleased to announce that Franklin County will receive a portion of a $2 million transportation project to aid in the state’s economic recovery.
The money will be spent in part for the resurfacing and shoulder reconstruction of seven miles of U.S. 1 at the Wake County line to N.C. 56 in Franklin County. S.T. Wooten Corp. of Wilson is scheduled to start work as early as July 27 and be finished by Oct. 30.
“We need better roads and we need good jobs. This investment helps with both,” Rep. Allen said. “It will be money well-spent.”
The project was among 31 transportation projects announced Wednesday. The total cost value of the projects is $73 million.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 million spent on transportation creates 30 jobs, and according to the construction industry, every dollar invested in transportation generates $6 in economic impact.
Rep. Allen is in her fourth term representing Franklin, Halifax and Nash counties in the House of Representatives. She is chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and vice chair of Local Government I and Water Resources and Infrastructure committees, as well as vice chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation.
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Draft Proposal To Create Jobs And Renew North Carolina Communities…
This information was released from the N.C. Department of Administration today:
Draft Proposal To Create Jobs And Renew North Carolina Communities Through Energy Efficiency And Conservation Block Grant Funds Is Now Available For Public Comment
RALEIGH - The North Carolina State Energy Office and the state Office of Economic Recovery and Investment have posted on the Internet, for public comment, an outline of a proposal to use $20.9 million in federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The grants will help create jobs, provide money for greater energy efficiency in our communities and encourage energy-saving innovations.
Public comments will be accepted through noon on Monday, June 15. The state’s application is due to be submitted to the U.S. Energy Department on Thursday, June 25.
Citizens can see a summary of the proposal and offer comments on the state Office of Economic Recovery and Investment’s Web site: www.ncrecovery.gov/calendar/publicMeetings.aspx or through the State Energy Office’s Web site at www.energync.net.
The summary follows: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants $20,925,300 North Carolina Planned Activities
North Carolina has identified four focus areas for utilizing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants: 1. Energy efficiency and renewable energy for buildings, 2. Technical assistance, 3. Energy conservation programs in transportation, and 4. Implementation of methane and greenhouse gas technologies
Sixty percent of the allocation will be distributed competitively in subgrants to non-entitlement; (non-designated) cities and counties through a competitive process for each of the four focus areas. Thirty-four percent of the allocation will also be distributed competitively to K-12 public school districts, community colleges and other local public authorities in the energy efficiency and renewable energy for buildings focus area. Six percent of funds have been allocated for administrative expenses.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy for buildings Non-entitlement; cities and counties: The state will provide local government units subgrants to implement energy efficiency measures and renewable system installations in their communities. All building types —- governmental, residential, nonprofit, retail, commercial and industrial —- will be eligible to participate. The state will issue competitive solicitations for the 90 counties and 526 municipalities that will not receive direct entitlements, but are eligible to receive assistance under this program (a list of entitlement; or designated cities follows this draft). Funding areas include: retrofit existing facilities to improve energy efficiency; design and operation of energy efficiency and conservation programs for buildings and facilities within the jurisdiction of the entity; identification of the most effective methods for achieving maximum participation and efficiency rates; public education; measurement and verification protocols; identification of energy efficient technologies; development, implementation and installation of renewable energy technologies on or in any eligible entity; and onsite renewable energy technology that generates electricity from renewable resources including solar energy, wind energy, fuel cells and biomass. $7,150,000
K-12 public school districts, community colleges and other local public authorities: The state will provide community colleges, K-12 public schools and other local public authorities subgrants to implement energy efficiency measures and renewable energy system installations in their facilities. The state will issue competitive solicitations for the 58 community colleges and 115 K-12 public school districts which are eligible to receive assistance under this program. Funding areas include: retrofit existing facilities to improve energy efficiency; design and operation of energy efficiency and conservation programs for buildings and facilities within the jurisdiction of the entity; identification of the most effective methods for achieving maximum participation and efficiency rates; public education; measurement and verification protocols; identification of energy efficient technologies; development, implementation and installation of renewable energy technologies on or in any eligible entity; and onsite renewable energy technology that generates electricity from renewable resources, including solar energy, wind energy, fuel cells and biomass. $7,044,124
Technical assistance The state will provide local government units technical assistance in the form of preliminary energy surveys, identification of potential projects and creation of a strategic energy plan. The state will issue competitive solicitations for the 90 counties and 526 municipalities that will not receive direct entitlements. These entities will be eligible to receive technical assistance funds for activities, including: preliminary energy surveys where the state will provide the local government unit a consultant to perform walk through audits identifying potential energy efficiency or renewable energy projects; development of energy efficiency and conservation strategies or strategic energy plans, utilizing information obtained from the walk through audits; and grant writing assistance for creating a response to general solicitations for projects using EECBG funds. $450,000
Energy conservation programs in transportation The state will issue competitive grants for the development and implementation of programs to conserve energy used in transportation. Eligible projects include the following: synchronization of traffic signals; state/local/regional integrated planning activities with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled; incentive programs to reduce commutes by single occupancy vehicles; improvements in operational and system efficiency of the transportation system such as implementation of intelligent transportation system strategies; idle-reduction technologies and/or facilities to conserve energy, reduce harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions from freight movement; installation of solar panels on interstate rights-of-way to conserve energy in highway operations and maintenance activities; and replacement of traffic signals and street lighting with energy efficiency lighting technologies, including light emitting diodes. $2,500,000
Implementation of methane and greenhouse gas technologies The state will work with non-entitlement cities and counties to purchase and implement projects which reduce and capture methane and greenhouse gases for the purpose of generating electricity or providing the gas for use as an energy fuel source. Projects will utilize methane and other greenhouse gases generated by landfills or similar waste related sources, such as wastewater treatment plants, operations producing food waste dairy farms and other animal operations. A competitive solicitation will be issued by the state for these type projects. $2,500,000
Preliminary criteria for project selections Jobs Created Energy Saved Renewable Energy Generated Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced Funds Leveraged Strategic Energy Plan Completed Project Sustainability beyond American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding Aggregated Regional Proposals Project Timetable Project Management Capability (including Reporting and Monitoring) Project Costs Projects in Economically Distressed Regions
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N.C. GOP to host convention
The N.C. Republican Party will be holding the 2009 NCGOP Convention at the Raleigh Convention Center from June 12-14.
The convention will include votes on new leadership for the NCGOP, including votes for NCGOP chairman and vice chairman which take place during the Saturday afternoon business session. In addition, the party will be hosting several banquets and events. At Friday evening’s banquet, special guest U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., will speak to North Carolina Republicans.
There will be a luncheon on Saturday that will feature a tribute to U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms. Members of the Helms family as well as U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry will be in attendance. Saturday evening’;s banquet will feature special guest and speaker Mason Weaver, a talk show host and author. Judge Rusty Duke will be a special guest at Sunday’s Chairman’s Prayer Breakfast.
WEEKEND AGENDA:
FRIDAY, JUNE 12th 11:30AM-1:30PM- REGISTRATION 12:00PM-1:30PM- CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING 2:00PM-5:00PM- BUSINESS SESSION* REGISTRATION WILL REOPEN AT THE CLOSE OF THE BUSINESS SESSION FOR ONE HOUR 7:30PM-9:30PM- EVENING BANQUET
SATURDAY, JUNE 13th 8:00AM- 12:00PM- TRAINING SESSIONS* 8:30AM-11:00AM- FINAL REGISTRATION 9:00 AM-11:30AM- GENERAL SESSION 12:00PM-1:45PM- LUNCHEON 2:00PM-5:00PM- BUSINESS SESSION 7:30PM-9:30PM- EVENING BANQUET
SUNDAY, JUNE 14th 8:30AM- 9:30AM- CHAIRMAN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST 10:30AM-12:00AM- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING *Registration for the meeting will be from 9:30AM to 10:30AM *Business sessions will include debate on the Platform, Resolutions, Plan of Organization, as well as the election of the NCGOP Chairman and NCGOP Vice Chairman.
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N.C. House budget doesn’t sit well with educators
The N.C. Department of Public Instruction released a statement today from N.C. State Board of Education Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Harrison and State Superintendent June Atkinson on potential budget cuts to education offered by the N.C. House of Representatives’ budget proposal…
“It is our hope that the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education’s budget draft is only a beginning and that there is much more discussion ahead. It is clear the state faces an extremely difficult economic situation, and that sacrifices will have to be made. The 11 percent budget cuts outlined by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education are severe and would have a significant negative impact on our classrooms and our schools.”
Following is a sample of the proposed cuts:
Reduction of the length of the school year for students by five days in fiscal year 2009-10 and five more days (total of 10) in fiscal year 2010-11. This would reduce instructional days to 175 in 2009-10 and to 170 in 2010-11 (rather than the current 180).
6,005 fewer Classroom Teachers (increase class size teacher allotment by two per grade)
4,663 fewer Teacher Assistants (base formula on K-2 ADM rather than K-3)
354 fewer Instructional Support personnel (counselors, media specialists, social workers)
187 fewer Assistant Principals (increase allotment to 1:890 rather than 1:799)
A 5 percent reduction to Non-instructional Support (clerical and custodians)
Low Wealth Supplemental Funding - Fund counties at 90 percent and below. This adjustment would eliminate funding 13 school districts from Low Wealth funding. (Craven, Cumberland, Davie, Gaston, Lincoln, Madison, Mitchell, Onslow, Pender, Perquimans, Union, Warren, Yancey)
A reduction of $4.5 million to Small County Supplemental Funding
A 10 percent reduction to More at Four
Elimination of Learn and Earn Online
Elimination of application fee payment for teachers seeking certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.
Elimination of Literacy Coaches
A non-recurring reduction of $38 million to Textbooks
Non-recurring reduction to staff development (no funding for two years)
A 5.38 percent reduction or $6.5 million to Central Office
An 11 percent reduction in FY 2009-10 and an additional 4 percent (total of 15 percent) reduction in FY 2010-11 to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. This would eliminate 52 positions in 2009-10 and 19 more (71 total) in 2010-11.
Also, the N.C. Association of Educators issued a statement yesterday from president Sheri Strickland regarding the N.C. House of Representatives’ budget proposal:
“The House Budget announced today offered dangerous and draconian cuts to public schools across North Carolina. By raising class sizes and eliminating more than 12,000 jobs in public education, elected leaders will put our state at-risk and jeopardize our economy. How can putting nearly 13,000 people on unemployment turn this economy around?
As I said to the nearly 1,000 educators who came this past weekend to Raleigh to protest cuts to public schools, North Carolina will face even tougher economic times if we balance the budget on the backs of educators, children and schools.
The General Assembly is ignoring sensible ways to raise revenue and offer long-term solutions for our state. With cuts this severe, the future of North Carolina’s system of public education is at stake.”
The N.C. Association of Educators is the state’s largest education association representing more than 60,000 active, retired and student members.
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N.C. GOP lampoons Easley
The N.C. Republican Party released a video entitled “How the Other Half Lives” contrasting the lives of former Gov. Mike Easley and his wife, Mary, to the lives of the rest of North Carolina residents.
The N.C. State Board of Elections is investigating the former Democratic governor and his campaign committee after the News & Observer of Raleigh reported Easley flew on private jets from several businessmen while in office and didn’t pay for some flights. The value of other trips appears to exceed campaign donation limits. Easley’s campaign also has said a vehicle driven by Easley’s son actually was a campaign car.
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Hagan on Obama’s first 100 days and coffee Wednesdays
From the Press Office of U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C.:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) issued the following statement regarding the beginning of President Obama’s administration:
“I have been honored to work with President Obama throughout his first hundred days in office. The White House and the Senate have wasted no time passing measures that will create and save jobs in North Carolina and across the country, expand health care for children, and implement a budget that invests in critical priorities and lays the foundation for future economic growth.
“While 100 days is much too short a time period to judge President Obama’s performance as a whole, I believe we are heading in the right direction and people know that as hard as things are right now, we can get back on track.
“However, far more important than the past 100 days are the days that lie ahead of us, underscoring the critical need to work in a bipartisan manner to get results on issues the American people spoke so loudly and so clearly about this past November: reforming our healthcare system, making college more affordable, reducing our dependence on foreign oil while encouraging a new green energy economy, and with all of that, giving more working families an opportunity to achieve a piece of the American dream.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in both chambers, and the President, to get things right again.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Once again illustrating the openness and accessibility with which she operates her office, U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) announced today that her “Carolina Coffees” - an informal way for North Carolinians to see her office and meet the Senator and her staff - will begin Wednesday, May 6, 2009. North Carolinians visiting or living in Washington, DC, are invited to attend Carolina Coffees, which will be held every Wednesday morning while the Senate is in session, from 9-10 a.m.
“Serving North Carolina in the U.S. Senate is such an honor, and it is truly a privilege to invite constituents to visit my office in the nation’s capital,” said Hagan. “I hope that as many North Carolinians as possible are able to stop in at a Carolina Coffee to say hello and share their thoughts and concerns with me and my staff. These informal meetings are important to me, as I keep my ear to the ground concerning things that are happening in North Carolina.”
Senator Hagan’s office is located in Suite 521 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Constituents planning to attend should allow for extra time to go through security before entering the building.
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Specter’s statement on joining Democrats
The following is a statement issued by U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter on his decision to switch political parties:
I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view.
While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation.
Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right. Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.
When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing.
Since then, I have traveled the state, talked to Republican leaders and office-holders and my supporters and I have carefully examined public opinion. It has become clear to me that the stimulus vote caused a schism which makes our differences irreconcilable.
On this state of the record, I am unwilling to have my 29-year Senate record judged by the Pennsylvania Republican primary electorate. I have not represented the Republican Party. I have represented the people of Pennsylvania.
I have decided to run for re-election in 2010 in the Democratic primary.
I am ready, willing and anxious to take on all comers and have my candidacy for re-election determined in a general election.
I deeply regret that I will be disappointing many friends and supporters. I can understand their disappointment. I am also disappointed that so many in the party I have worked for for more than four decades do not want me to be their candidate. It is very painful on both sides. I thank specially Sens. McConnell and Cornyn for their forbearance.
I am not making this decision because there are no important and interesting opportunities outside the Senate. I take on this complicated run for re-election because I am deeply concerned about the future of our country and I believe I have a significant contribution to make on many of the key issues of the day, especially medical research. NIH funding has saved or lengthened thousands of lives, including mine, and much more needs to be done. And my seniority is very important to continue to bring important projects vital to Pennsylvania’s economy.
I am taking this action now because there are fewer than thirteen months to the 2010 Pennsylvania Primary and there is much to be done in preparation for that election. Upon request, I will return campaign contributions contributed during this cycle.
While each member of the Senate caucuses with his party, what each of us hopes to accomplish is distinct from his party affiliation. The American people do not care which party solves the problems confronting our nation. And no Senator, no matter how loyal he is to his party, should or would put party loyalty above his duty to the state and nation.
My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats that I have been for the Republicans. Unlike Senator Jeffords’ switch which changed party control, I will not be an automatic 60th vote for cloture. For example, my position on Employees Free Choice (Card Check) will not change.
Whatever my party affiliation, I will continue to be guided by President Kennedy’s statement that sometimes party asks too much. When it does, I will continue my independent voting and follow my conscience on what I think is best for Pennsylvania and America.
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Elon Poll: Carolinians give Obama mixed reviews
Elon University released these results from its most recent poll of North and South Carolinians:
North and South Carolinians believe that the United States is on the wrong track but generally approve of President Barack Obama’s performance during his first 100 days in office, according to the latest Elon University Poll. In particular, Carolinians are divided on the way Obama is handling the economy.
The poll, conducted April 19-23, surveyed 662 North and South Carolina residents and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points. North Carolinians tended to give more favorable marks to Obama than respondents in South Carolina, where opinions on his performance were more critical.
Fifty-two percent of residents approve of the way Obama is handling his job. When asked about handling issues facing the country: 50 percent believe Obama is trying to address too many issues at once 39 percent indicate he is focusing on the right number of issues 7 percent think he is focusing on too few issues.
Forty-eight percent of residents disapprove of Obama’s handling of the economy while 47 percent approve. Sixty percent of respondents believe Obama’s economic policies have yet to take effect, while an equal number of residents believe they have made economic conditions either worse or better (19 percent each).
Respondents disapprove of the way Obama is handling certain issues: Budget deficit: 55 percent The auto industry: 55 percent The financial crisis: 49 percent The mortgage crisis: 46 percent Taxes: 46 percent
Fifty-six percent of Carolinians also believe that too much money has already been spent on the economy.
“As the president struggles with the toughest first 100 days in recent history, his support may be beginning to wane as the public grows less patient and more divided over the direction of the country,” said Hunter Bacot, director of the Elon University Poll.
Carolinians have distinct opinions regarding the future of the economy: 46 percent say the economy has leveled off, but has not started to improve 35 percent believe the worst is yet to come for the economy 17 percent think the economy has started to improve
Respondents were asked their opinions on how Obama is handling a variety of issues: Iraq War: 57 percent approve, 34 percent disapprove Afghanistan: 55 percent approve, 30 percent disapprove Education: 50 percent approve, 26 percent disapprove
Respondents are generally satisfied with the amount of attention Obama is dedicating to a number of issues. Respondents were asked whether issues received too much attention, too little attention, or the right amount of attention:
Too Much Attention: Auto Industry: 38 percent
Too Little Attention: Immigration: 49 percent Budget Deficit: 40 percent Health Care: 40 percent
Right Amount of Attention: Iraq War: 61 percent Afghanistan: 60 percent Economy: 57 percent
When asked about their confidence level of a variety of institutions, respondents indicated they have no confidence in Wall Street, Congress, labor unions or television news. Conversely, Carolinians said they have a great deal of confidence in the military and small businesses.
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DNC video pokes fun at the ‘New GOP’
The Democratic National Committee released a new Web video on Wednesday poking a little fun at Republicans.
“Meet the New Faces of the GOP” begins with the opening of a set of red curtains that reveal former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich followed by Karl Rove and former Vice President Dick Cheney while carnival music plays in the background.
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Libertarians applaud steps toward marriage equality
Released Monday by the national Libertarian Party:
America’s third largest party Monday praised officials in Iowa, Vermont and the District of Columbia for taking recent steps toward marriage equality and urged legislators in all states to scrap government licensing, taxation and regulation of marriage.
“The government’s power to define marriage has historically been used as a tool to retaliate against minority groups, and the right to marry is the newest frontier of civil rights. Libertarians everywhere applaud this advancement of civil rights, but warn the only way to guarantee true marriage equality is to get government out of the question entirely,” said Catherine Sumner, LBGT policy advisor for the Libertarian National Committee.
“Removing government from the equation entirely allows gay and lesbian couples to enter into the same legal agreements and arrangement as heterosexual couples, and it would allow individuals and businesses to decide for themselves who to grant the benefits of marriage to,” Sumner said. “No individual, straight, gay or lesbian, should be forced to accept someone else’s definition of marriage.”
On April 3 the Iowa Supreme Court ruled the state’s “one man, one woman” definition of marriage violates the state constitution’s equal protection clause. On April 7, Vermont’s state legislature overrode Gov. Jim Douglas’ veto of a marriage equality bill, nine years after the state was the first to allow civil unions. The next day the District of Columbia City Council, which allows domestic partnerships, voted to recognize gay marriages performed elsewhere, with an expected final vote coming May 5.
“The power to define is the power to discriminate. There’s a reason why the government doesn’t decide who can be baptized, who can be ordained, who can receive Communion or who can celebrate a Bar Mitzvah. Libertarians think the same should apply to marriage, and seek to end all government intervention, licensing and taxation of marriage,” Sumner said.
The Libertarian Party is America’s third-largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.
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Nash Dems to meet at forum, convention
The Nash County Democratic Party will sponsor its Spring Forum at 6:30 p.m. April 16 in the Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College.
A panel of elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, N.C. Sens. A.B. Swindell and Clark Jenkins and N.C. Reps. Angela Bryant, Randy Stewart, Jean Farmer-Butterfield, Joe Tolson and Lucy Allen will talk about the Federal Economic Stimulus and how it affects Nash County.
Tickets are $15 each and include dinner. For more information, contact Spring Forum Committee Chairwoman Lois Watkins at 252-343-3657 or party Chairwoman Gwen Wilkins at 252-883-4184.
The party will hold its county convention at 10 a.m. April 18 at the Nash County Courthouse in Nashville. Convention delegates will elect officers for the April 2009-April 2011 term as well as state executive committee members, delegates to the District Convention and more. The convention is open to the public.
For more information, call 252-883-4184.
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N.C., Michigan senators wager on big game
Released from the offices of U.S. Sens. Kay R. Hagan, D-N.C., Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.:
Brimming with home state pride, U.S. Sens. Kay R. Hagan, D-N.C., Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., have placed a friendly wager on the outcome of tonight’s NCAA Men’s Basketball championship between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Michigan State Spartans.
Hagan has offered authentic North Carolina food products: North Carolina Barbeque, Cheerwine and Hagan’s hometown favorite, Cheesecakes by Alex, from Greensboro.
Levin and Stabenow are wagering Little Caesar’s pizza, Vernor’s ginger ale and Mackinac Island fudge.
“The 2009 Tar Heels have made us extremely proud by reaching the Final Four for the second straight year,” said Hagan. “While I have no doubt that the Spartans will put up a good fight, I feel confident that our Tar Heels will prevail. Beginning early today, I traveled across North Carolina and it was rainy and overcast. Now it’s nothing but Carolina Blue skies.”
“With Ford Field full of Michigan State faithful, I am confident that the Spartans can knock off North Carolina and win one for the ages tonight,” said Levin. “Thought by many to be a long shot to play in the final four in Michigan, Coach Izzo’s team is playing its best basketball at the right time and I look forward to a great game between two great teams.”
“Thirty years ago, Magic Johnson brought a championship to Michigan State, and tonight I fully expect this team will celebrate that anniversary with a win over North Carolina,” said Stabenow. “While I appreciate the Tar Heels skill and accomplishments, I fully believe that tonight, across Detroit, East Lansing, and the rest of Michigan, we will be celebrating another Spartan victory.”
In their only head to head matchup of the regular season on December 3, 2008, North Carolina defeated Michigan State 98-63. Tyler Hansbrough led the Tar Heels with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Raymar Morgan of Michigan State scored 21 points.
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Young Democrats elect new president
Myesha Moore has been elected the new president of the Young Democrats of Nash County.
Moore of Rocky Mount replaces Tiffany Foster, who is relocating to Wake County.
Nash County Democratic Chairwoman Gwen Wilkins administered the Oath of Office to Moore on Monday night.
“I wanted to ensure the Young Democrats of Nash County were firmly grounded before I step down in April as chair of the party and am extremely delighted that Myesha is taking the helm of the Young Democrats,” Wilkins said. “I had the opportunity to see her dedication and hard work last year when she served as a change crew leader and deputy field organizer for the Barack Obama Campaign for Change and have no doubt that Myesha and the other Young Dems will play a very active role in the politics of Nash County and this state.”
Moore is a graduate of Nash Senior High School where she received an ROTC Scholarship to attend N.C. State University. She graduated with a bachelors degree in political science and a U.S. Army commission as a transportation officer.
Moore continued her military service in the U.S. Army Reserve until 2007. She resides in Rocky Mount with her husband and two children.
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Report from Raleigh from N.C. Rep. Angela Bryant
Released from the office of N.C. Rep. Angela Bryant, D-Nash:
I hope you will continue to let me know how you feel about the issues that are being debated by the N.C. General Assembly and the challenges you and your family are facing each day. By working together, we can make District 7 and all regions of North Carolina a better place to live, work and raise a family.
A Dedication to Rep. John D. Hall (1957-2005) who joined the ancestors on March 17, 2005
I want to take this opportunity to commemorate the life and memory of N.C. Rep. John Hall, my good friend and mentor. He was a great mentor & supporter for me as a community leader and fellow elected official, and I am honored to be serving the citizens of Halifax and Nash Counties in the seat that he held. John Hall was owner of WYAL, a gospel radio station in Scotland Neck, and served with honor and distinction as a member of the Scotland Neck City Council, the Halifax County Commissioners and the NC House (2000-2005). He was survived by his mother, Lois Marie Richardson Hall and his sister, Georgette Hall.
In the District
Area Grants Received
Neighborhood Stabilization Program Award Recipient (NSP), Rocky Mount, NC: The City of Rocky Mount was awarded $2 million and plans to use the NSP funds in a multi-pronged approach, first concentrating on neighborhoods for which redevelopment plans are prepared and implementation has begun and then looking to additional areas with the greatest need. The NSP will be used to supplement current activities with an emphasis on abandoned and foreclosed properties.
Shaw University Alumni Association Banquet: Friday, April 3, 2009 at the McCarter Center (7:00 pm) in Rocky Mount, NC. Please contact Gloria F. Davis at 252-977-7208 for additional information. The banquet is dedicated to the oldest chapter member, Ms. Dorothy B. Gilliam. Tickets are available for $30.00.
Wright Center 20th Anniversary Gala Celebration: Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 7:00 pm at R.T. McCarter Fellowship Center. For tickets ($30.00) and sponsorship ($275 - $2,500) information, call (252) 442-8363 or email Doris Howington at dhowington.twc@embarqmail.com.
Sierra Club- Edgecombe, Nash, Halifax and Wilson Environmental Awareness Group Meeting: Sierra Club meeting will be held on Tuesday instead of Monday. This will be a special gathering at the Imperial Centre: Tuesday, April 21, 7:00 pm at the Imperial Center in downtown Rocky Mount. Martha Fisk of the N.C. Museum of Natural Science will be the guest speaker. Anyone available is welcome to eat with us on Monday, April 20 at 7: 00 pm at Mama’s Pizza in Rocky Mount.
The F.L.O.A.T. Alliance (Females Learning to Overcome All Temptations) will meet: 6:30 pm every second Thursday of the month at SWIM’s Healing Place (327 Eastern Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27802). Anyone that provides support, programs, services, employment and trainings for female ex-offenders are welcome to participate. Please call (252) 972-7946 to register.
Ethics Tips
Please remember that requests for written advisory opinions from the State Ethics Commission, and the opinions themselves, are confidential and not matters of public record. The State Ethics Commission can be reached at 919 - 807 - 4620 or at ethics.commission@ncmail.net.
The State Government Ethics Act does not prohibit a legislator or a member of the legislator’s immediate family from serving as a director, officer, governing board member, employee or independent contractor of a nonprofit corporation or organization. Neither does the State Government Ethics Act prohibit the legislator’s immediate family member from serving as a registered lobbyist for a nonprofit corporation or organization. The State Government Ethics Act only requires that a legislator who is associated with a nonprofit corporation or organization report the association on the legislator’s Statement of Economic Interest and consider that relationship for conflict of interest analysis purposes.
At the Legislature
March 8-12, 2009
Education: North Carolina’s high school dropout rate would be clarified under legislation filed in the House this week (HB 470). The bill would amend the powers of the State Board of Education, to specify that calculations of the dropout rate must not include students who transfer to a community college, college, or university and enroll in a degree program, but that students who voluntarily withdraw or are expelled from school and do not finish at another school shall be considered to have dropped out.
Community colleges would be authorized to teach developmental courses and college success skills courses at any time during the year, including the summer term if a new bill (HB 491) is approved. A separate proposal would allow community colleges to include certain occupational extension courses in the headcounts they use to qualify for state money based on enrollment.
An act to repeal the sunset on the law authorizing teachers to take personal leave without penalty under certain circumstances was filed in the House this week (HB 441). The bill would give teachers some additional freedom to take paid days off.
A proposed law would require parents to give written permission to the schools before corporal punishment is administered to their children. The legislation (HB 442) would also require each local school board to annually report to the State Board of Education the number of times that corporal punishment is administered each year according to the student’s grade, age, gender, race, and whether the student was receiving special education services.
The Nicolas Adkins School Bus Safety Act (HB 440) was filed in the House this week and would provide for the use of automated camera and video systems to detect and prosecute those who pass stopped school buses. The legislation would also allow admission of photos and videos recorded by these systems in any proceedings. Nicolas Adkins was a 16-year-old student from Rockingham County who was hit and killed by a driver who ignored the activated school bus sign and passed his school bus in January.
Energy Efficiency: North Carolina would create a Solar Energy Incentive Grant program to encourage the production of solar panels in the state according to a bill filed in the House this week (HB 462). The bill is modeled after a similar program in Virginia.
Builders of energy-efficient homes would receive a tax credit if legislation filed in the House this week (HB 504) is approved.
New incentives for high-performance homes for North Carolina residents and new incentives for renewable energy for commercial property have been proposed in a bill filed this week. The legislation (HB 512) would also require public schools and state institutions of higher learning to report on energy usage.
Equality: The North Carolina Racial Justice Act (HB 472) was filed in the House this week to provide for the fair and reliable imposition of capital sentences. The legislation provides that no person shall be subject to or given a sentence of death or shall be executed based on race. The act would also establish a procedure for hearing such claims.
Crime/Justice: Legislation that would prohibit cell phones in prison (HB 8) was unanimously approved in the House this week. The bill also makes it unlawful for a prison guard to provide a phone to an inmate. Some prison officials had reported that more prisoners were smuggling in phones.
March 16-19, 2009
Children: Two pieces of legislation that would strengthen the penalties for violations of child labor laws were approved in the House this week. House Bill 23 would double the fine for first-time violators of the state’s child labor law from $250 to $500 and create a $1,000 penalty for further violations. The bill would also authorize the NC Department of Labor to fine a company up to $14,000 for workplace safety violations that injure a worker younger than 18, which is double the amount of the current maximum fine. There are regulations in place that bar young workers from performing a host of hazardous jobs, and this legislation is meant to act as a stronger deterrence against employer violations.
House Bill 22 would enhance youth employment protections by requiring the Commissioner of Labor to report on youth employment enforcement activities. The objective of the legislation is to enhance the safety of children in the workplace by making more information on workplace violations available. Both bills now go to the Senate for consideration.
A bill that would create a process to set aside an order of paternity has received approval in the House and is now headed to the Senate. House Bill 307 would authorize trial courts to set aside an order of paternity and to set aside affidavits of parentage (after 60 days) if the order or affidavit was entered as the result of fraud, duress, mutual mistake, or excusable neglect, and genetic tests establish that the reported father is not the biological father of the child. If the court sets aside the order, future child support obligations of the putative father would be excused.
Good Government: Legislation that would make improvements to North Carolina’s absentee voting laws has been referred to the Committee on Election Law and Campaign Finance Reform (HB 614). The bill is especially intended to improve the ability of military and overseas voters to cast timely ballots. If favorable, the bill will then go on to the Committee on Homeland Security, Military, and Veterans Affairs.
The Treasurer’s Governance and Transparency Act of 2009 received a favorable report from the Committee on Pensions and Retirement, and now goes to the Finance Committee. The legislation (HB 556) would expand the membership of the State Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Committee by adding two additional members of the general public.
An act to provide for four-year staggered terms of office for members of the Legislative Ethics Committee received unanimous approval in the House this week. If enacted, the legislation (SB 136) would also amend the timing of ethics training for legislators based on the recommendations of the Legislative Ethics Committee. Currently, legislators and legislative staff must complete ethics training within three months of their election or appointment, and this bill would change that time period to two months.
Health: A bill that would authorize some counties to establish pilot programs to serve as models for affordable health insurance has been approved by the Insurance Committee. House Bill 212 now goes to the Committee on Commerce, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship.
Legislation that would allow local mental health officials to inspect licensed facilities is now pending in the House. The bill (HB 576) would allow representatives authorized by the area director to conduct such inspections and to keep information obtained in the course of the inspection confidential. Previously, the law allowed only representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct such inspections.
Legislation that would require health benefit plans and the State Health Plan to cover hearing aids and replacement hearing aids has been referred to the Committee on Health. If found favorable by the Committee on Health, the bill (HB 589) will go to the Committee on Insurance, and if favorable there, the bill will go to the Committee on Appropriations.
Tax Credits: Legislation that would expand the mill rehabilitation tax credit passed its first reading in the House on Monday and has now been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship (HB 592). If favorable, the legislation will then go to the Committee on Finance. Essentially, this legislation would allow a taxpayer, who incurs at least $3 million in redevelopment expenses with respect to a redevelopment site, to take a tax credit equal to a percentage of the redevelopment expenses. The bill would also set forth procedures and limitations on taking the credit.
Legislation that would increase the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Homestead Exclusion passed its first reading in the House on Monday and has now been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Small Business, and Entrepreneurship (HB 594). Under current law, the first $45,000 of the appraised value of the residence is excluded from taxation, and this bill would increase that amount to $65,000. If favorable, it bill will go to the Committee on Finance.
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Vice president visits rural North Carolina
FAISON, N.C. (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden says the federal economic stimulus will help rural communities thrive and not just survive the recession.
Biden and Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited parts of rural North Carolina on Wednesday to tout the benefits of the $787 billion stimulus.
During a tour of Goshen Medical Center in Faison, Biden said $635,000 from the package will help the community health care clinic hire two physicians and two nurses. The clinic sees about 41,000 people annually at 20 sites in five counties.
The stimulus includes about $2 billion for community health centers, and approximately $500 million has already been sent to clinics nationwide.
Biden and Vilsack also visited a fire department in Pikeville, about 20 minutes south of Wilson.
It was Biden’s first visit to Eastern North Carolina since October when he stumped as a vice presidential candidate in Greenville.
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News from Raleigh from N.C. Rep. Lucy Allen
Released from the office of N.C. Rep. Lucy Allen, D-Franklin:
NEWS FROM RALEIGH March 26, 2009
This week, we continued our work to improve the lives of the people of North Carolina. We moved a number of important bills to make life easier for our military members, improve education and protect your safety. A number of these initiatives continue to work through our committees and will be discussed on our chamber floor within the next few weeks.
Military Members of the House voted unanimously in favor of legislation that would make it easier for soldiers, reservists and National Guard members to renew their drivers’ licenses (HB 98). Under current law North Carolinians may renew their drivers’ licenses as much as six months prior to the expiration date. If enacted, this legislation would allow members of the armed forces to renew their licenses upon receipt of deployment orders. The bill would also allow a 30-day grace period for the renewal of an expired license upon release from active duty. The bill will now go to the Senate.
Education Legislation that would encourage policies to facilitate graduation has been approved in the House (HB 187). If enacted, the legislation would direct local boards of education to encourage local businesses to adopt personnel policies to permit parents to attend school conferences. The legislation would also encourage local boards of education to adopt policies to implement programs that: (1) assist students in making a successful transition between the middle school and high school years, (2) increase parental involvement in student achievement, and (3) reduce suspension and expulsion rates and encourage academic progress during suspensions. In addition, the bill would direct local school boards to modify policies on pregnant and parenting students that would better enable those students to graduate. The bill is now being considered in the Senate.
The State Board of Community Colleges would be authorized to waive tuition for members of the National Guard under legislation filed in the House this week (HB 795).
Health Counties interested in establishing health insurance pilot demonstration projects to provide a model for affordable employer-based health insurance would be authorized to do so under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 212). The bill will now go on to the Senate.
Legislation that would appropriate money for the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees and make other changes related to the State Health Plan was debated in the House Committee on Insurance this Thursday (SB 287). The bill will remain in the Insurance Committee for further discussion next Tuesday.
The Division of Emergency Management would be authorized to establish a registry that counties and municipalities could use to identify functionally and medically fragile people during a disaster. House Bill 382 passed the House this week and would also authorize counties and municipalities to operate similar registries. The intent of this legislation is to improve the safety of medically vulnerable individuals in the event of a disaster. The bill will now go on to the Senate.
A bill to ban smoking in restaurants and workplaces was found favorable in the House Committee on Judiciary I on Wednesday (HB 2). Supporters of the bill say it will improve health. Opponents of the bill say that it infringes on personal property rights.
Miscellaneous Local governments could object to the location of Alcoholic Beverage Control stores in their districts under legislation approved this week (HB 186). The bill establishes a procedure for municipalities to object and allows them extra time to conduct a public hearing or submit a resolution concerning a potential store location. The ABC Commission would still have the final authority to determine the location of ABC stores. The bill has now gone to the Senate, where it was referred to the Senate Committee on State and Local Government.
The penalty for altering, destroying, or removing the permanent serial number of a firearm would be increased from a misdemeanor to a penalty under legislation filed in the House this week (HB 787). The existing Class I misdemeanor would be upgraded to a to a Class H felony if the law passes.
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Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s Web site at www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select “audio,” and then make your selection - House Chamber, Senate Chamber, Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room.
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Hagan, Price author resolutions honoring N.C. historian John Hope Franklin
Released from the offices of U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., and Rep. David Price, 4th District:
WASHINGTON, DC - Sen. Kay R. Hagan and Rep. David Price today announced similar resolutions in their respective chambers honoring North Carolina historian John Hope Franklin, who passed away yesterday, at the age of 94. Senator Hagan introduced the Senate Resolution today, and Rep. Price will introduce a House version when the chamber reconvenes on Monday. The resolutions have strong support from the North Carolina congressional delegation.
“John Hope Franklin was an iconic historian who achieved the pinnacle of success in his professional life and whose work will live on for many years to come. His distinguished career as a public servant and scholar are an inspiration to so many,” said Senator Hagan. “Dr. Franklin shattered barriers that seem unimaginable in today’s world, and he did so with elegance and perseverance. North Carolina was fortunate to count this fine individual among its residents. Our nation lost one of the most brilliant minds of a generation in Dr. Franklin, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.”
“Dr. Franklin’s scholarship, from St. Augustine’s and North Carolina College in the 1930s and 40s to his distinguished careers at Chicago and Duke, showed that African-American history is inseparable from any telling of the American story,” said Rep. Price. “We honor his tremendous contributions to American history, but his legacy is not only the study of the past. The greater understanding he fostered lights a path for present and future citizens to live together in a more unified nation. Lisa and I join North Carolina and the nation in grieving his loss. From his beloved orchids to his wise counsel, he shared his friendship generously and will be greatly missed.”
Other members of the North Carolina congressional delegation joined Hagan and Price in praising Dr. Franklin’s life and accomplishments.
“John Hope Franklin was not only a historian, he was a history maker,” said Senator Richard Burr (R-NC). “John spent his life fighting injustice, promoting equality, and fostering understanding across racial lines. His work in the field of promoting African-American history has forever changed the way our nation will look at our collective past.”
“As a premiere historian, John Hope Franklin made immeasurable contributions by educating us on the integral role that Africans and African-Americans played in American history,” said Rep. Mel Watt (NC-12). “As an activist, John Hope Franklin was an active mentor and educator of the leaders of the civil rights movement as well as an unapologetic advocate for full and equal citizenship. As a friend, he was a mentor and truly wonderful spirit and inspiration to me and my wife. I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a monumental figure. But I am also consoled by the fact that he lived and used every minute of his life for the most outstanding, decent and noble purposes.”
“John Hope Franklin was a great educator, historian and humanitarian. He dedicated his entire life to trying to bring people together to make the world a better place,” said Rep. Bob Etheridge (NC-2).
“John Hope Franklin changed the way we look at our history,” said Representative Brad Miller (NC-13). “American history is not just the story of European settlers and their descendents. Franklin made sure that the story of American history included the contributions and experiences of all Americans.”
“John Hope Franklin’s lifetime of work was crucial to America coming to the understanding that history would be incomplete without African Americans, and that America could only become whole by confronting the lingering ghosts of slavery and segregation,” Rep. G.K. Butterfield (NC-1) said.
“I am saddened by the death of Dr. John Hope Franklin, yet I know future generations will celebrate the accomplishments of his life,” said Rep. Larry Kissell (NC-8). “He was an American treasure.”
John Hope Franklin was born on January 2, 1915 in Rentiesville, Oklahoma, the grandson of a slave and the son of Buck Colbert Franklin, one of the first black lawyers in the Oklahoma Indian territory, and Mollie Parker Franklin, a schoolteacher and community leader. Franklin broke numerous racial barriers as the first African-American department chair at a predominantly white institution, Brooklyn College; the first African-American professor to hold an endowed chair at Duke University; and the first African-American President of the American Historical Association. Franklin’s 1947 book, “From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African-Americans,” is still considered the definitive account of the African-American experience in the United States. His research contributed to the success of Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP’s legal victory in the landmark Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education, which ended the “separate but equal” doctrine in America’s public schools.
Franklin inspired the John Hope Franklin Center for Interdisciplinary & International Studies at Duke University, a consortium of academic programs that encourages creative scholarship, the exchange of ideas, and a variety of perspectives and methodologies to revitalize notions of how knowledge is gained and shared.
Duke University has created a website that chronicles John Hope Franklin’s life and accomplishments. Please visit http://www.duke.edu/johnhopefranklin/ for more information.
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GOP calls on Dems to support president on charter schools
The Republican Joint Caucus of the N.C. General Assembly issued this press release today:
Republican members of the N.C. Senate and House of Representatives cited President Barack Obama’s enthusiastic support for charter schools and called on their Democratic colleagues to join them in eliminating the charter schools cap.
Current N.C. law restricts the number of charter schools in our state to only 100. A number of bills to raise or eliminate the cap are pending in the General Assembly.
In a speech to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce last week, the president said: “I call on states to reform their charter rules and lift caps on the number of allowable charter schools, wherever such caps are in place.”
The president further stated his opposition to caps: “That isn’t good for our children, our economy or our country.”
“We ask the Democrats to join with us in supporting President Obama’s call for an increased number of charter schools,” said Republican House Leader Paul Stam, R-Wake. “It is time to lift the cap on charter schools in North Carolina for our children. This will also help the budgets of our county boards of education.”
HB 125, Raise Cap on Charter Schools (Reps. Gulley, Avila, Killian)
HB 126, Eliminate Cap on Charter Schools (Reps. Gulley, Avila, Killian, Dollar)
HB 288, Remove Cap on the Number of Charter Schools (Rep. Allred)
HB 427, Counties May Fund Charter Schools (Reps. Moore, Cleveland, Brown, Current)
SB 172, Allow Charter Schools in 100 Counties (Sen. Goodall)
SB 378, Counties May Fund Charter Schools (Sen Goodall)
SB 379, Remove Cap on the Number of Charter Schools (Sen. Goodall)
SB 397, Increase Cap on Charter Schools (Sen. Clary)
SB 573, Modify Charter School Law (Sen. Goodall)
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McCain’s daughter blasts right-wing pundit
Meghan McCain, the 24-year-old daughter of former Republican presidential nominee John McCain, took some harsh swipes at right-wing firebrand Ann Coulter over the weekend in a blog posting on the Daily Beast.
On the eve of the launch of a series of debates between Coulter and comedian Bill Maher, McCain writes that “Ann Coulter is not the woman we Republicans need representing us right now.”
In the blog apparently focused on why the GOP is having trouble appealing to voters of her generation, McCain wrote of Coulter:
“… certain individuals continue to perpetuate negative stereotypes about Republicans. Especially Republican women. Who do I feel is the biggest culprit? Ann Coulter. I straight up don’t understand this woman or her popularity. I find her offensive, radical, insulting, and confusing all at the same time.”
Coulter has not responded to McCain’ statements as of yet, but a kindred sister of hers, conservative radio show host Laura Ingraham, lashed back at McCain, mocking her as “too plus-sized to be a cast member on the television show ‘The Real World.’”
McCain answered Ingraham in another blog posting, writing:
“Instead of intellectually debating our ideological differences about the future of the Republican Party, Ingraham resorted to making fun of my age and weight, in the fashion of the mean girls in high school.”
Ingraham shot back on her Web site under the headline “Useful Idiot Watch:”
“Memo to Meghan McCain: Enjoy the media coverage while it lasts, but know you’re being used. You are the flavor of the month in left-wing media land because you are a Republican bashing the GOP. Likewise, your dad is most popular among the same people when he is slamming his Republican brethren in full-blown “maverick” fashion. At least he backs up his views with a lifetime of sacrifice and public service. What is Ms. McCain’s own political, business, or real-world experience that lends credibility to her argument that the GOP needs to “moderate” (read: abandon its core principles)?”
Coming on the heels of the recent Michael Steele-Rush Limbaugh feud, the GOP’s last two electoral defeats apparently have Republicans reduced to eating their own.
Why can’t we all just get along?
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President to appear on ‘Tonight Show’
President Barack Obama is scheduled to appear on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on Thursday night. He is expected to talk about the economy. The show airs at 11:35 p.m. EST on NBC.
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Познавательно, хотя не мешало бы чуть поподробнее написать, а то есть немножко непонятных моментов :)
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А кому от этого легче станет?
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Что то Автор совсем перестал писать новые темы и даже админить блог? Может чего случилось?
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Здравствуйте! А можно ли ссылочками с вами обменяться?
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