In this historic and extremely challenging session of the General Assembly, we remain committed to moving our state toward fiscal stability and order.
We recently passed Senate Bill 22 into law, which provides a stopgap on job-killing state government regulations. Meanwhile, the Joint Committee on Regulatory Reform is meeting throughout the state, hearing from citizens and determining which burdensome small business regulations we can eliminate.
The House passed Senate Bill 109, freeing hundreds of millions of dollars that can be used for job retention or taxpayer refunds. We also passed House Bill 2, which if not vetoed by the Governor, would put North Carolina in opposition to the job-killing mandates of the Federal health care bill. North Carolina is the only state in the Southeast that is not part of the 29 states legally challenging these mandates which judges have been declared unconstitutional but will end up in the Supreme Court. We are continuing to work diligently on reforms in areas such as education and elections. These include lifting the cap on charter schools. Also, a bill was passed that would end some unnecessary and ineffective testing – a bill strongly favored by parents and teachers.
A sad commentary on Raleigh politics was the condition of the State Health Plan for teachers and all state employees. The neglect and mismanagement had led to insolvency of this plan – a disgrace and a slap in the face to the state employees. The new majority inherited a plan with a current $515 million shortfall, and a longer term actuarial shortfall in excess of $33 billion.
This week the House concurred with the Senate and passed SB 265, which not only revives the health plan but incorporates many provisions the State Employees Association of NC (SEANC) has been asking for over the years. The SEANC representative at our committee meeting made a strong statement endorsing the plan. The SEANC newsletter counteracts much of the political posturing this issue has created among some politicians and special interest groups. As a supplement to this newsletter, I will forward you a copy for those that would like to see it.
Regarding election reforms, there are several bills filed that would help ensure a more fair process and the Voter ID bill would help ensure the integrity of our elections. Surveys consistently indicate that this is favored by over 80% of NC voters. We have also passed bills that seek to address North Carolina’s laws related to a citizen’s Second Amendment rights. The concealed carry laws have reportedly been a huge success, and there is evidence of reduced crime involving guns since they have been in effect.
As a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, I find myself continuing to remind people that gun-restricting laws will only restrict law-abiding citizens’ rights! The criminals will carry their guns regardless of the laws. Last week we passed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, as many parents and grandparents of victims emotionally watched in the gallery. At least 35 states reportedly have similar laws, including California since 1969. Republicans have been introducing the bill for 25 years, but the Democratic leadership would never allow a vote. It passed with a 75-vote veto-proof majority. I was delighted to co-sponsor this bill.
I am on the House Government Committee. Many of our bills have dealt with forced annexation abuses across the state. Some of these situations have been tying up our courts as citizens attempt to fight these abuses. North Carolina annexation laws are among the most anti-citizen in the nation. We are attempting to address these individual situations in progress, while we are also taking up broad annexation reform going forward. The Speaker appointed me to two other special committees that I am delighted to serve on. The House just elected eight new members to the UNC Board of Governors; I was on the Nominating Committee. I am also especially pleased to serve on the Redistricting Committee. We are just now getting all the necessary census data to carry out the important task of drawing fair and legal congressional and legislative districts.
On a final, happy note, I was delighted to spend time this week with several classes of students from our area as they visited the General Assembly. It is always a rewarding experience to work with children. I also enjoyed the well attended Townhall Meeting that we had this morning in Wentworth. It is good to know so many citizens that are interested in participating in a civic discussion with their representative. As always, I appreciate your prayers as I continue to do my best to serve the citizens of Rockingham County and North Carolina. It is an honor and privilege to represent you in the legislature.
March 4, 2011
February 17, 2011
Not "Business as Usual"
It is definitely not “business as usual” in Raleigh these days! Longtime observers of the General Assembly agree that the new majority has ‘hit the ground running’ at a pace not witnessed in recent years.
Our state has the highest tax burden in the Southeast, which has fueled the loss of jobs and a poor economy. It is reported that over 128,000 net jobs have been lost in our state since January 2009 alone. This reality and the necessity to address the inherited current budget crisis resulting from years of overspending are all related and are at the core of our efforts. However, the longer term situation is truly more alarming. Government spending has been growing at an unsustainable rate, and our state has fallen much deeper into debt. The estimated unfunded state debt obligations over the next 20 years cause the current dismal budget numbers to pale in comparison.
There are no “quick fixes”, but the new legislative majority has mapped out a bold ‘100 day agenda’ to begin to change the 'tax and spend' big government culture, and start the long process of changing North Carolina for the better. This newsletter simply hits some highlights of our very busy agenda to date.
This General Assembly is committed to making the tough spending priority choices necessary to balance our budget without raising taxes again. Billion dollar tax increases were enacted in 6 of the past 8 years, but more spending has still left a current budget deficit near $3 billion. The tax-and-spenders have admitted they knew this was coming, but to no avail. Some argue that our taxes are still relatively lower than some other societies. Apparently the job creators in our state are not impressed with that argument. It is reported that the state has lost over 128,000 jobs since January 2009 alone.
The Balanced Budget Act of 2011 is one attempt to begin to address the problem. It passed both the House and Senate. Many observers see this as relatively mild legislation to cut spending by a minor fraction of the needed reductions in the coming year. It represents the “low hanging fruit”, if you will. However, fierce opposition from the ‘old guard’ indicates their stance of “business as usual” in the face of this unprecedented economic crisis in our state. The needed reforms will not come easy.
I have co-sponsored several bills to help address these issues, including the aforementioned Balanced Budget Act and the Healthcare Protection Act. This bill enables North Carolina to join the majority of other states that have passed legislation designed to protect their citizens from the detrimental federal mandates. These mandates are already costing our state untold precious jobs, as new hiring is already being stifled. Some judges have already declared these mandates unconstitutional.
Another issue that has been in the forefront for many citizens is that of forced annexation. This has long been a grave concern of many, as our state’s archaic annexation laws are among the most ‘anti-citizen’ in the nation. I am a co-sponsor of the Moratorium on Forced Annexation, which would immediately stop this onerous practice while more permanent pro-citizen annexation laws can be enacted. We will also work for free and fair elections. To that end, I will co-sponsor a bill requiring photo identification to vote, as is done in many other states. I am also drafting other bills regarding fairer elections. It is a privilege to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Elections Committee among my appointments.
Education accounts for about 57% of the state budget. Many of us believe in prioritizing classroom education and local decision making, while cutting back on the expensive bureaucracy that has resulted in less input by parents, teachers, and local authorities. The decline in measurable achievement as system costs have skyrocketed speaks for itself. More parental choice and competition is essential to improve quality in education just as it does in everything else. To that end, our agenda includes eliminating the cap on charter schools to address the demand of families as about 20,000 students are currently on waiting lists. Another bill would extend modest tax credits to parents that choose private or home schools. This will have the practical effect of supporting parental choice while potentially saving the state billions of dollars in the next decade. Needless to say, those that support a government controlled monopoly in education have strongly opposed these efforts.
Many citizens are fed up with overreaching government that has grown too big in size, scope, and cost. We cannot overemphasize that the path of government spending is unsustainable. I remain committed to the work of reining in government back to its rightful role in our society. This will be a long, difficult process and many prevailing attitudes regarding entitlement and the “nanny state” will have to change. Our challenge is to transition back toward a more free-market oriented society where rights and responsibilities go together hand in hand. Most unfortunately, we now have a mind boggling government debt to address as well. It is an understatement to say this is easier said than done, and there is very fierce opposition. Please pray for those of us working to make strides toward fiscal responsibility and more citizen liberty during a very difficult time period in our state and nation.
Our state has the highest tax burden in the Southeast, which has fueled the loss of jobs and a poor economy. It is reported that over 128,000 net jobs have been lost in our state since January 2009 alone. This reality and the necessity to address the inherited current budget crisis resulting from years of overspending are all related and are at the core of our efforts. However, the longer term situation is truly more alarming. Government spending has been growing at an unsustainable rate, and our state has fallen much deeper into debt. The estimated unfunded state debt obligations over the next 20 years cause the current dismal budget numbers to pale in comparison.
There are no “quick fixes”, but the new legislative majority has mapped out a bold ‘100 day agenda’ to begin to change the 'tax and spend' big government culture, and start the long process of changing North Carolina for the better. This newsletter simply hits some highlights of our very busy agenda to date.
This General Assembly is committed to making the tough spending priority choices necessary to balance our budget without raising taxes again. Billion dollar tax increases were enacted in 6 of the past 8 years, but more spending has still left a current budget deficit near $3 billion. The tax-and-spenders have admitted they knew this was coming, but to no avail. Some argue that our taxes are still relatively lower than some other societies. Apparently the job creators in our state are not impressed with that argument. It is reported that the state has lost over 128,000 jobs since January 2009 alone.
The Balanced Budget Act of 2011 is one attempt to begin to address the problem. It passed both the House and Senate. Many observers see this as relatively mild legislation to cut spending by a minor fraction of the needed reductions in the coming year. It represents the “low hanging fruit”, if you will. However, fierce opposition from the ‘old guard’ indicates their stance of “business as usual” in the face of this unprecedented economic crisis in our state. The needed reforms will not come easy.
I have co-sponsored several bills to help address these issues, including the aforementioned Balanced Budget Act and the Healthcare Protection Act. This bill enables North Carolina to join the majority of other states that have passed legislation designed to protect their citizens from the detrimental federal mandates. These mandates are already costing our state untold precious jobs, as new hiring is already being stifled. Some judges have already declared these mandates unconstitutional.
Another issue that has been in the forefront for many citizens is that of forced annexation. This has long been a grave concern of many, as our state’s archaic annexation laws are among the most ‘anti-citizen’ in the nation. I am a co-sponsor of the Moratorium on Forced Annexation, which would immediately stop this onerous practice while more permanent pro-citizen annexation laws can be enacted. We will also work for free and fair elections. To that end, I will co-sponsor a bill requiring photo identification to vote, as is done in many other states. I am also drafting other bills regarding fairer elections. It is a privilege to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Elections Committee among my appointments.
Education accounts for about 57% of the state budget. Many of us believe in prioritizing classroom education and local decision making, while cutting back on the expensive bureaucracy that has resulted in less input by parents, teachers, and local authorities. The decline in measurable achievement as system costs have skyrocketed speaks for itself. More parental choice and competition is essential to improve quality in education just as it does in everything else. To that end, our agenda includes eliminating the cap on charter schools to address the demand of families as about 20,000 students are currently on waiting lists. Another bill would extend modest tax credits to parents that choose private or home schools. This will have the practical effect of supporting parental choice while potentially saving the state billions of dollars in the next decade. Needless to say, those that support a government controlled monopoly in education have strongly opposed these efforts.
Many citizens are fed up with overreaching government that has grown too big in size, scope, and cost. We cannot overemphasize that the path of government spending is unsustainable. I remain committed to the work of reining in government back to its rightful role in our society. This will be a long, difficult process and many prevailing attitudes regarding entitlement and the “nanny state” will have to change. Our challenge is to transition back toward a more free-market oriented society where rights and responsibilities go together hand in hand. Most unfortunately, we now have a mind boggling government debt to address as well. It is an understatement to say this is easier said than done, and there is very fierce opposition. Please pray for those of us working to make strides toward fiscal responsibility and more citizen liberty during a very difficult time period in our state and nation.
January 31, 2011
NC House Passes Healthcare Freedom Act
Raleigh – The North Carolina House of Representatives today approved House Bill 2, the “NC Healthcare Protection Act”, by a vote of 66 to 50 on final passage. This legislation protects North Carolina citizens from the unconstitutional mandates enacted under the federal healthcare legislation passed last year. Enactment of HB 2 would also make North Carolina a plaintiff with twenty-eight other states in federal lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act”. Every neighboring state had already passed such legislation, and it was a stated campaign issue by the new conservative majority.
The House vote came two days day after U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson ruled the entire federal health care bill unconstitutional. Judge Vinson’s ruling agrees with the assertions of the majority of the NC House that Congress cannot mandate individual citizens to make particular decisions regarding healthcare for themselves and their families.
Representative Bert Jones of Rockingham County co-sponsored the NC Healthcare Protection Act, which recent surveys indicate was favored by a 66%-25% margin by citizens of the state. "We have received letters of support for our bill by at least ten to one," Jones said. "I believe the vast majority of citizens agree that this federal action was a vast overreach beyond the proper role of the government. I will stand firm with our citizens in protecting against big government that has grown far too big in cost, power, size, and scope. I believe that lies at the core of what I was elected to do."
Many other legislative leaders agree. "The federal healthcare legislation is the first time Congress has imposed onerous requirements on citizens merely because they are alive and draw breath,” said House Majority Leader Paul Stam (R-Wake). “We believe today’s vote in the House defends our citizens against the clearly unconstitutional mandates in this overreaching federal statute.” Representative Jeff Barnhart (R-Cabarrus) led the floor debate. “Enactment of HB 2 will release North Carolinians from the excessive taxes and fines imposed by the bill if they choose to exercise their right to pay for their own healthcare rather than one of the mandated insurance plans,” said Barnhart.
One of the primary points expressed in opposition to the federal healthcare legislation was the detrimental effect its implementation will have on the economy. Job creation will be severely curtailed due to the huge costs placed on the backs of small businesses to provide mandated insurance coverage for their employees. Significant evidence from the private sector indicates the requirement will make it more difficult for businesses to expand and create jobs. “Increased federal regulation and costly government mandates are wrong anytime, but are especially harmful during this time of severe recession,” said Rep. David Lewis. “The costs imposed on small businesses and pharmaceutical manufacturers will severely hamper efforts at job creation essential to an economic recovery in North Carolina and the country.”
Representative Tom Murry (R-Wake), a pharmacist by profession, pointed out that the bill would allow North Carolina to join other states in the litigation challenging the constitutionality of the federal legislation. ”While our bill does not require the NC Attorney General to file a separate lawsuit,” he said “it does provide that our state join the other 28 states in defending our citizens against this unconstitutional individual mandate in the federal healthcare law. It’s long overdue that North Carolina stand up in defense of our citizens’ rights in this important case,” said Murry. During floor debate it was stressed that individuals must have the right to make their own health care decisions, and must not be compelled by government to choose certain options.
“It is everyone’s right and responsibility to consider which health care options are best for them and their families,” stated Representative Mark Hollo (R-Alexander). Rep. Hollo is a physician’s assistant. Government must not inhibit people’s ability to do what is in their best interest concerning their own health care decisions.” HB 2 will be sent to the Senate for its consideration.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jones stated that he intends to co-sponsor more legislation during this session that will promote job growth and also reduce the cost of healthcare, including a tort reform bill to cut frivolous lawsuits and the high cost of defensive medicine. Such initiatives are also favored by a majority of citizens according to many surveys.
The House vote came two days day after U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson ruled the entire federal health care bill unconstitutional. Judge Vinson’s ruling agrees with the assertions of the majority of the NC House that Congress cannot mandate individual citizens to make particular decisions regarding healthcare for themselves and their families.
Representative Bert Jones of Rockingham County co-sponsored the NC Healthcare Protection Act, which recent surveys indicate was favored by a 66%-25% margin by citizens of the state. "We have received letters of support for our bill by at least ten to one," Jones said. "I believe the vast majority of citizens agree that this federal action was a vast overreach beyond the proper role of the government. I will stand firm with our citizens in protecting against big government that has grown far too big in cost, power, size, and scope. I believe that lies at the core of what I was elected to do."
Many other legislative leaders agree. "The federal healthcare legislation is the first time Congress has imposed onerous requirements on citizens merely because they are alive and draw breath,” said House Majority Leader Paul Stam (R-Wake). “We believe today’s vote in the House defends our citizens against the clearly unconstitutional mandates in this overreaching federal statute.” Representative Jeff Barnhart (R-Cabarrus) led the floor debate. “Enactment of HB 2 will release North Carolinians from the excessive taxes and fines imposed by the bill if they choose to exercise their right to pay for their own healthcare rather than one of the mandated insurance plans,” said Barnhart.
One of the primary points expressed in opposition to the federal healthcare legislation was the detrimental effect its implementation will have on the economy. Job creation will be severely curtailed due to the huge costs placed on the backs of small businesses to provide mandated insurance coverage for their employees. Significant evidence from the private sector indicates the requirement will make it more difficult for businesses to expand and create jobs. “Increased federal regulation and costly government mandates are wrong anytime, but are especially harmful during this time of severe recession,” said Rep. David Lewis. “The costs imposed on small businesses and pharmaceutical manufacturers will severely hamper efforts at job creation essential to an economic recovery in North Carolina and the country.”
Representative Tom Murry (R-Wake), a pharmacist by profession, pointed out that the bill would allow North Carolina to join other states in the litigation challenging the constitutionality of the federal legislation. ”While our bill does not require the NC Attorney General to file a separate lawsuit,” he said “it does provide that our state join the other 28 states in defending our citizens against this unconstitutional individual mandate in the federal healthcare law. It’s long overdue that North Carolina stand up in defense of our citizens’ rights in this important case,” said Murry. During floor debate it was stressed that individuals must have the right to make their own health care decisions, and must not be compelled by government to choose certain options.
“It is everyone’s right and responsibility to consider which health care options are best for them and their families,” stated Representative Mark Hollo (R-Alexander). Rep. Hollo is a physician’s assistant. Government must not inhibit people’s ability to do what is in their best interest concerning their own health care decisions.” HB 2 will be sent to the Senate for its consideration.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jones stated that he intends to co-sponsor more legislation during this session that will promote job growth and also reduce the cost of healthcare, including a tort reform bill to cut frivolous lawsuits and the high cost of defensive medicine. Such initiatives are also favored by a majority of citizens according to many surveys.
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