Over the past few years, we have worked steadily in North Carolina to make voting more convenient and to do our best to ensure the integrity of our campaigns and candidates. With early voting already underway and Election Day closing in, I thought this week would be a good time to remind you of some of the improvements in our laws.
I encourage you to vote early this year if you can, and I hope you will contact me if you have questions, or if I can be of service. Thank you as always for your support and your interest in our state.
Voting
_ We approved a new law that allows residents to register and vote right away at one-stop voting sites during the last 2½ weeks before an election. Under the old law voters could vote early at one-stop voting sites, but registration ended 25 days before an election. The law (SL2007-253) has opened up the voting process by eliminating some of the time barriers. Early voting has become a popular and effective way for citizens to vote in our past two elections.
_ North Carolina’s absentee voting laws have been changed to better able military and overseas voters to cast timely ballots (SL2009-537). This is incredibly important because it is vital that those defending our democracy have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. This law was updated during this past session to streamline applications for absentee ballots for deployed members of the military. (SL2010-192)
_ Breaching ballot secrecy or trying to convince a person to select a party affiliation other than one of the person’s own choosing is now illegal. The law (SL2007-391) also allows combined ballots and provides civil penalties for officials who are late reporting campaign contributions and expenditures. Penalties can be as high as three times the amount of funds concealed if the State Board of Elections finds that the officials deliberately concealed contributions or expenditures.
Campaigns
_The Government Ethics and Campaign Reform Act of 2010 (SL2010-169) establishes stronger standards for elected officials and government workers. Among other things, the act increases the penalty for illegal campaign donations and improves the state’s campaign finance database by making it easier to search. The law also makes it illegal for a member of the Council of State to coerce political contributions from those who do business with the state by promising preferential treatment or discipline.
_ North Carolina has had publicly financed judicial elections for the past several years, but candidates for state auditor, superintendent of public instruction and insurance commissioner now also have the option to participate in the program. The intent of the law (SL2007-540) is to open up elections to anyone with an interest in running and reduce the influence of increasingly large amounts of money being raised for campaigns. Candidates must raise a total of $30,000 from at least 750 people to qualify for the public financing program. They must then agree to strict fundraising and spending limits. The Government Ethics and Campaign Reform Act of 2010 established a 10-member commission to study issues related to public funding of Council of State races.
_In response to a federal ruling that now allows corporations to spend money on political races, we added new disclosure rules (SL2010-170) to assure that the companies report how much money they are spending on political activity and how it is being used.
_ Candidates for public office must now report when they file for office whether they are convicted felons. (SL2007-369) The conviction will not have to be reported if it was reversed on appeal, pardoned or expunged. Candidates who have a past conviction will be required to report the name of the offense, the date of conviction, the date their citizenship rights were restored, and the county and state of conviction. A prior felony conviction does not prevent a person from holding elective office if the candidate's citizenship rights have been restored. Candidates who do not complete the statement will be barred from appearing on the ballot. A separate bill (SL2010-49) will allow voters to decide this year whether they want to change the state Constitution to prohibit convicted felons from running for sheriff.
_ Legislators who establish legal defense funds must now report donations to those accounts. Under the law (SL2007-349), legislators with these accounts now have to report donations and expenses each quarter. In addition, they also have to abide by restrictions similar to those for campaign accounts. Donations from labor unions, insurance companies, corporations, business entities, or professional associations cannot exceed $4,000 each year. Cash donations must be less than $50 and the report must include detailed information about contributors.
_ The General Assembly established a new Joint Legislative Elections Oversight Committee to give greater attention to both election and campaign finance matters. The 18-member committee will examine budgets, programs, and polices of the State Board of Elections and county boards of elections; election statutes and court decisions; election initiatives in other states, and other matters as necessary.
The law creating the oversight committee (SL2008-150) was a large bill that also included several other provisions to improve elections in North Carolina.
Among the new provisions are:
_ Reauthorization of the instant runoff voting pilot. This provision allows the State
Board of Elections to use instant runoff voting in up to 10 jurisdictions during the 2010 and 2011 elections. Instant runoffs allow voters to pick winners without having to hold costly separate runoff elections. The communities selected will be required to develop and participate in a plan to educate voters and candidates about instant runoff voting.
_ A prohibition on commingling campaign funds with other accounts. The treasurer for a
candidate or political committee must now keep all campaign money in accounts separate from private accounts or accounts into which other money is deposited.
Notes
_ Forbes magazine ranks North Carolina the 3rd Best State for Business in America. North Carolina improved from last year’s Forbes ranking of fifth. In addition, recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show North Carolina is the 3rd best state for declining unemployment and 4th in the nation for job creation.
_ Saertex USA, a manufacturer of technical fabrics for lightweight composite structures for the green energy sector, will expand in Mecklenburg County. The company plans to create 178 jobs and invest $6.5 million over the next three years in Huntersville.
_ Siemens Energy, Inc., a global supplier of products and services for the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power, will expand its operations in Wake County. The company plans to add 139 jobs and invest at least $2.9 million by the end of 2014.
_ Reich LLC, a leading manufacturer of precision vehicle parts will bring a new production facility to Buncombe County. Reich plans to create 56 jobs over three years, while investing $28 million. The company plans to create 79 jobs and invest $33 million over a 5-year period.
_ Save-A-Lot, Ltd., a leading discount grocery chain, will build a new distribution center in Davidson County. The company plans to create 43 jobs and invest $24.45 million during the next three years in Lexington.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Oct. 14, 2010 From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr.
Several new laws went into place on the first of this month and I wanted to take this opportunity to inform you about a few of them with which you may not be familiar. These laws cover a variety of interests, from our Alcoholic Beverage Control system to our state contracting rules. In each instance, we have tried to pass commonsense laws that will protect the people of North Carolina or streamline our operations.
Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government. Please contact me if I can be of any service to you.
Better Government
_ In the face of several recent problems with our Alcoholic Beverage Control System, the General Assembly approved a law to modernize the system’s operations. The law (H1717) sets standards for enforcement of ABC laws, store appearance, efficiency and customer service. It also requires local boards to adopt ethics policies and create balanced budgets available for public inspection. Employees will no longer be allowed to directly supervise immediate family members and the salaries of general managers for the boards will generally be limited to the salary of the clerk of superior court in their county.
_We have improved the state’s contract oversight and procedures with a new law approved this past session. The law (S1213) increases the authority of the Secretary of Administration to oversee the review and awarding of contracts. It also requires the state’s Attorney General to review all contracts for supplies, materials, printing, equipment, and contractual services that exceed $1 million. The law prohibits the use of so-called “cost plus” contracts, where the vendor receives a fee based on the cost of the contract.
Consumer Protection
_ Insurance brokers and bail bondsmen, along with principals in finance companies and collection agencies now have explicit directions to report criminal or administrative actions against them or their companies to state regulators, usually within 10 days. The law (H1166) also requires those seeking insurance producer licenses in North Carolina to submit fingerprints to be used for criminal background checks.
_ North Carolina law will now provide additional protections to people working with cemetery companies. The new law (S18) requires that new potential owners of cemetery companies provide evidence that they have sufficient financial means before they are allowed to take ownership of the company. The law also requires the cemeteries to list the cost of opening and closing a grave as part of the contract and forbids them from requiring people who buy grave sites to buy vaults from a particular seller.
_ Homeowners in North Carolina will now be protected from scammers who trick them into selling their homes for less than half of their values to avoid foreclosure. The new law (S1015) also requires that lease option contracts and contract for deed transactions now be in writing to provide additional protections.
Notes
_ Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company and leader in diabetes care, and Nypro Inc., a global leader in manufactured precision plastics products, will expand operations in Johnston County and Buncombe County. The companies plan to create 241 jobs over the next four years and will invest $161 million combined.
_ FCA, an Illinois-based custom packaging manufacturing company, will open a new facility in Edgecombe County. FCA selected the KanBan Logistics facility located in the Kingsboro Industrial Park to manufacture skids that will house advanced manufactured engines for Cummins, a large industrial company in the region. The company will employ 20 individuals initially with plans to grow to 40 employees.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government. Please contact me if I can be of any service to you.
Better Government
_ In the face of several recent problems with our Alcoholic Beverage Control System, the General Assembly approved a law to modernize the system’s operations. The law (H1717) sets standards for enforcement of ABC laws, store appearance, efficiency and customer service. It also requires local boards to adopt ethics policies and create balanced budgets available for public inspection. Employees will no longer be allowed to directly supervise immediate family members and the salaries of general managers for the boards will generally be limited to the salary of the clerk of superior court in their county.
_We have improved the state’s contract oversight and procedures with a new law approved this past session. The law (S1213) increases the authority of the Secretary of Administration to oversee the review and awarding of contracts. It also requires the state’s Attorney General to review all contracts for supplies, materials, printing, equipment, and contractual services that exceed $1 million. The law prohibits the use of so-called “cost plus” contracts, where the vendor receives a fee based on the cost of the contract.
Consumer Protection
_ Insurance brokers and bail bondsmen, along with principals in finance companies and collection agencies now have explicit directions to report criminal or administrative actions against them or their companies to state regulators, usually within 10 days. The law (H1166) also requires those seeking insurance producer licenses in North Carolina to submit fingerprints to be used for criminal background checks.
_ North Carolina law will now provide additional protections to people working with cemetery companies. The new law (S18) requires that new potential owners of cemetery companies provide evidence that they have sufficient financial means before they are allowed to take ownership of the company. The law also requires the cemeteries to list the cost of opening and closing a grave as part of the contract and forbids them from requiring people who buy grave sites to buy vaults from a particular seller.
_ Homeowners in North Carolina will now be protected from scammers who trick them into selling their homes for less than half of their values to avoid foreclosure. The new law (S1015) also requires that lease option contracts and contract for deed transactions now be in writing to provide additional protections.
Notes
_ Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company and leader in diabetes care, and Nypro Inc., a global leader in manufactured precision plastics products, will expand operations in Johnston County and Buncombe County. The companies plan to create 241 jobs over the next four years and will invest $161 million combined.
_ FCA, an Illinois-based custom packaging manufacturing company, will open a new facility in Edgecombe County. FCA selected the KanBan Logistics facility located in the Kingsboro Industrial Park to manufacture skids that will house advanced manufactured engines for Cummins, a large industrial company in the region. The company will employ 20 individuals initially with plans to grow to 40 employees.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Oct. 7, 2010 From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr.
I wanted to update you this week on some more of the new laws that went into place this month. Some of these represent major changes in the way we do business in this state, such as clearer ethics rules and stronger environmental laws. Others will be less noticeable, but are still important to those people who are affected.
Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government. Please contact me if I can be of any service to you.
Open Government
_The Government Ethics and Campaign Reform Act of 2010 (H961) creates stronger standards for elected officials and government workers. Among other things, the act: increases the penalty for illegal campaign donations; improves the state’s campaign finance database by making it easier to search; makes complete salary histories of government workers public; requires the government to pay plaintiffs’ legal fees in cases where they are found to have violated open records laws without a written basis; increases economic disclosure requirements for judicial officers, legislators, and public servants.
_ Animal euthanasia technicians may be subject to more intense scrutiny of their backgrounds before they can be certified. A new law (H1741) allows the Department of Agriculture to reject certification for euthanasia technicians if they are convicted of felony drug laws, animal abuse or neglect or submitting a false application, in addition to other violations. The law also requires animal shelters that euthanize animals to register their shelters with the Department of Health and Human Services under the state’s Controlled Substances Act.
_ A new law will expand access to adoption information for family members. The law (H1463) allows adult siblings and half-siblings of living adoptees and adult family members of deceased adoptees or biological parents to have access to confidential services seeking to connect adoptees and their parents. The law also allows the intermediary to deliver a copy of a death certificate for the person being sought.
Environment
_ The General Assembly amended nearly 25 environmental laws in a single bill this past session. Among other things, the law (H1766) requires public agencies to recycle used fluorescent lights and mercury thermostats, require the removal of all fluorescent lights and mercury thermostats from buildings prior to demolition, and bans products containing mercury from unlined landfills. The law also prohibits the use of high-arsenic glass in public roads.
_ A person who has been issued a permit to remove a coyote now has an additional option under legislation approved this year by the General Assembly. A new law (H1824) allows the use of a humane, live capture collar trap. The trap works by throwing a cable loop over the animal’s head. The end of the loop is anchored in the ground. The law requires that the trap be checked daily and that a dog or any other animal not targeted by the trap be released unharmed. The law was recommended by the House Select Committee on Coyote Nuisance Control.
Miscellaneous
_ Senior Resident Superior Court judges will no longer be determined based solely on their seniority. A new law (H1398) allows the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court to select the senior resident judge after consulting with the district court judges, members of the local bar, clerks of court, district attorneys, public defenders and others within the district.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government. Please contact me if I can be of any service to you.
Open Government
_The Government Ethics and Campaign Reform Act of 2010 (H961) creates stronger standards for elected officials and government workers. Among other things, the act: increases the penalty for illegal campaign donations; improves the state’s campaign finance database by making it easier to search; makes complete salary histories of government workers public; requires the government to pay plaintiffs’ legal fees in cases where they are found to have violated open records laws without a written basis; increases economic disclosure requirements for judicial officers, legislators, and public servants.
_ Animal euthanasia technicians may be subject to more intense scrutiny of their backgrounds before they can be certified. A new law (H1741) allows the Department of Agriculture to reject certification for euthanasia technicians if they are convicted of felony drug laws, animal abuse or neglect or submitting a false application, in addition to other violations. The law also requires animal shelters that euthanize animals to register their shelters with the Department of Health and Human Services under the state’s Controlled Substances Act.
_ A new law will expand access to adoption information for family members. The law (H1463) allows adult siblings and half-siblings of living adoptees and adult family members of deceased adoptees or biological parents to have access to confidential services seeking to connect adoptees and their parents. The law also allows the intermediary to deliver a copy of a death certificate for the person being sought.
Environment
_ The General Assembly amended nearly 25 environmental laws in a single bill this past session. Among other things, the law (H1766) requires public agencies to recycle used fluorescent lights and mercury thermostats, require the removal of all fluorescent lights and mercury thermostats from buildings prior to demolition, and bans products containing mercury from unlined landfills. The law also prohibits the use of high-arsenic glass in public roads.
_ A person who has been issued a permit to remove a coyote now has an additional option under legislation approved this year by the General Assembly. A new law (H1824) allows the use of a humane, live capture collar trap. The trap works by throwing a cable loop over the animal’s head. The end of the loop is anchored in the ground. The law requires that the trap be checked daily and that a dog or any other animal not targeted by the trap be released unharmed. The law was recommended by the House Select Committee on Coyote Nuisance Control.
Miscellaneous
_ Senior Resident Superior Court judges will no longer be determined based solely on their seniority. A new law (H1398) allows the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court to select the senior resident judge after consulting with the district court judges, members of the local bar, clerks of court, district attorneys, public defenders and others within the district.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
September 23, 2010 From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr.
Our seniors have helped make North Carolina a place that is growing and vibrant and have led us through many difficult times. During my past term in the General Assembly, I supported several initiatives that we hope will keep them healthy, safe and financially secure.
Below, I have included a few highlights of our work in the past two sessions, as well as some information from the 2010-11 budget. I hope you will find it useful.
Please contact me if I can be of any help. I look forward to continuing to serve you.
Planning
_ The General Assembly has directed several agencies to begin better preparing for the aging baby-boomer population. The law (SB 195 - SL2009-407) directs the University of North Carolina Institute on Aging and the Division of Aging and Adult Services to organize meetings of gerontologists, researchers and others to identify and prioritize issues the state will have to address. It also calls for the development of a website with information about how serve increasing numbers of adults.
Adult Care
_ The Division of Aging and Adult Services has been asked to study the issue of criminal history record checks for owners, operators, volunteers, and prospective owners, operators, and volunteers in adult day care programs and adult day health services programs. Among other things, the legislation (HB 1703 -SL2010-93) specifies that the study should identify which positions warrant a background check, develop a process for conducting the checks and designate who is responsible for requesting and paying for the check.
_County Departments of Social Services have been directed to conduct follow-up monitoring of adult care homes (HB 1186 - SL2009-232). The law is meant to improve patient safety by improving oversight of adult-care homes.
Health
_ Legislation to establish a long-term care partnership program was passed (SB 1193 - SL2010-68). Under a partnership program, a person who purchases a qualified long-term care insurance policy that provides a certain dollar amount of benefits will be allowed to disregard assets equal to the insurance payout when applying for Medicaid. States that have initiated a partnership program have found that this encourages people to plan for their long-term needs and also results in savings to their state Medicaid programs.
_ Several recommendations made by the N.C. Study Commission on Aging to expand dental care services for older and disabled North Carolinians with special care needs were approved, including having state agencies look at Medicaid reimbursement for certain services and coordinating workforce efforts to increase the number of dental care providers serving persons with special care needs. (SB 188 - SL2009-100).
_Automated calls to protect the public health, safety, or welfare are now allowed under a new state law (HB 1034 - SL2009-364). The system will be used to inform people that they have purchased products or medication that may be subject to a safety recall; that the person has not picked up a filled prescription drug or that one of their accounts may be subject to potential fraudulent activity. The calls cannot be used for any commercial purposes.
Safety
_The Division of Emergency Management is establishing a voluntary registry that counties and municipalities can use to identify functionally and medically fragile people during a disaster under a new state law (SB 258 - SL2009-225). The law also authorizes counties and municipalities to operate similar registries.
_We passed a new law to clarify that a Silver Alert may be issued for a person of any age (HB 1129 - SL2009-143). The Silver Alert System is a statewide system used to notify people about missing persons believed to be suffering from dementia or other cognitive impairments.
Housing
_The Statutory Homestead Exemption has been increased under a new state law (HB 1058 - SL2009-417). Qualified people aged 65 or older qualify for the exemption, which increased from $37,000 to $60,000.
Budget
_ $100,000 was approved to support Project C.A.R.E., the respite care and support program for families caring for persons with Alzheimer’s.
_ Funding for optional services under Medicaid (such as dental care; eye care and eyeglasses; occupational, physical, and speech therapies; hospice; prosthetics and orthotics; community alternative program; and rehabilitation services) for aged, blind, and disabled adults was preserved for the most part. The one area in which there was a significant cut was to Medicaid personal care services which provides in-home help to disabled and frail older adults. This program received a recurring cut of $50.7 million. The program had been criticized for allegedly serving people who did not meet the specific disability criteria and for providing more hours of service for people than what they needed.
_ No additional funding was appropriated for the Home and Community Care Block Grant, but no money was cut, either. The program helps older adults stay in their homes.
_ $450,000 was appropriated for the operation of the Stroke Advisory Council, the continued implementation of the public awareness campaign and identification of stroke rehabilitation services throughout the State.
_ $150,000 was authorized for a grant-in-aid to Prevent Blindness of North Carolina.
_ $50,000 was provided for a non-recurring grant-in-aid to NC Arthritis Patient Services is provided for in the budget.
Notes
_ The latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that North Carolina led the nation in employment gains from July to August with the addition of 18,600 jobs. The report also points out that our state ranked fourth among the states in employment gains from August 2009 to August 2010 with 36,700 jobs. We were third in the nation in over the year jobless rate with a decline of 1.2 percentage points.
_ Cree Inc., a global leader in LED lighting technology and products, will expand its manufacturing operations in Durham. The company plans to create 244 jobs over the next two years and invest $135 million.
_ Empire Foods Inc., an advanced-technology food processing company, will bring 200 jobs to Halifax County. The company, using technology licensed from N.C. State University, plans to create 200 jobs and invest $2.5 million over the next five years.
_ Baltek Inc., a manufacturer of core materials for the wind energy, mass transit, marine and military markets, will relocate to a new manufacturing facility in Guilford County. The company plans to create 68 jobs and invest $3.25 million over the next three years.
_ DNP IMS America Corp., a printing-technology company, will expand in Concord. The company plans to create 37 jobs and invest $24.8 million during the next three years.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Below, I have included a few highlights of our work in the past two sessions, as well as some information from the 2010-11 budget. I hope you will find it useful.
Please contact me if I can be of any help. I look forward to continuing to serve you.
Planning
_ The General Assembly has directed several agencies to begin better preparing for the aging baby-boomer population. The law (SB 195 - SL2009-407) directs the University of North Carolina Institute on Aging and the Division of Aging and Adult Services to organize meetings of gerontologists, researchers and others to identify and prioritize issues the state will have to address. It also calls for the development of a website with information about how serve increasing numbers of adults.
Adult Care
_ The Division of Aging and Adult Services has been asked to study the issue of criminal history record checks for owners, operators, volunteers, and prospective owners, operators, and volunteers in adult day care programs and adult day health services programs. Among other things, the legislation (HB 1703 -SL2010-93) specifies that the study should identify which positions warrant a background check, develop a process for conducting the checks and designate who is responsible for requesting and paying for the check.
_County Departments of Social Services have been directed to conduct follow-up monitoring of adult care homes (HB 1186 - SL2009-232). The law is meant to improve patient safety by improving oversight of adult-care homes.
Health
_ Legislation to establish a long-term care partnership program was passed (SB 1193 - SL2010-68). Under a partnership program, a person who purchases a qualified long-term care insurance policy that provides a certain dollar amount of benefits will be allowed to disregard assets equal to the insurance payout when applying for Medicaid. States that have initiated a partnership program have found that this encourages people to plan for their long-term needs and also results in savings to their state Medicaid programs.
_ Several recommendations made by the N.C. Study Commission on Aging to expand dental care services for older and disabled North Carolinians with special care needs were approved, including having state agencies look at Medicaid reimbursement for certain services and coordinating workforce efforts to increase the number of dental care providers serving persons with special care needs. (SB 188 - SL2009-100).
_Automated calls to protect the public health, safety, or welfare are now allowed under a new state law (HB 1034 - SL2009-364). The system will be used to inform people that they have purchased products or medication that may be subject to a safety recall; that the person has not picked up a filled prescription drug or that one of their accounts may be subject to potential fraudulent activity. The calls cannot be used for any commercial purposes.
Safety
_The Division of Emergency Management is establishing a voluntary registry that counties and municipalities can use to identify functionally and medically fragile people during a disaster under a new state law (SB 258 - SL2009-225). The law also authorizes counties and municipalities to operate similar registries.
_We passed a new law to clarify that a Silver Alert may be issued for a person of any age (HB 1129 - SL2009-143). The Silver Alert System is a statewide system used to notify people about missing persons believed to be suffering from dementia or other cognitive impairments.
Housing
_The Statutory Homestead Exemption has been increased under a new state law (HB 1058 - SL2009-417). Qualified people aged 65 or older qualify for the exemption, which increased from $37,000 to $60,000.
Budget
_ $100,000 was approved to support Project C.A.R.E., the respite care and support program for families caring for persons with Alzheimer’s.
_ Funding for optional services under Medicaid (such as dental care; eye care and eyeglasses; occupational, physical, and speech therapies; hospice; prosthetics and orthotics; community alternative program; and rehabilitation services) for aged, blind, and disabled adults was preserved for the most part. The one area in which there was a significant cut was to Medicaid personal care services which provides in-home help to disabled and frail older adults. This program received a recurring cut of $50.7 million. The program had been criticized for allegedly serving people who did not meet the specific disability criteria and for providing more hours of service for people than what they needed.
_ No additional funding was appropriated for the Home and Community Care Block Grant, but no money was cut, either. The program helps older adults stay in their homes.
_ $450,000 was appropriated for the operation of the Stroke Advisory Council, the continued implementation of the public awareness campaign and identification of stroke rehabilitation services throughout the State.
_ $150,000 was authorized for a grant-in-aid to Prevent Blindness of North Carolina.
_ $50,000 was provided for a non-recurring grant-in-aid to NC Arthritis Patient Services is provided for in the budget.
Notes
_ The latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that North Carolina led the nation in employment gains from July to August with the addition of 18,600 jobs. The report also points out that our state ranked fourth among the states in employment gains from August 2009 to August 2010 with 36,700 jobs. We were third in the nation in over the year jobless rate with a decline of 1.2 percentage points.
_ Cree Inc., a global leader in LED lighting technology and products, will expand its manufacturing operations in Durham. The company plans to create 244 jobs over the next two years and invest $135 million.
_ Empire Foods Inc., an advanced-technology food processing company, will bring 200 jobs to Halifax County. The company, using technology licensed from N.C. State University, plans to create 200 jobs and invest $2.5 million over the next five years.
_ Baltek Inc., a manufacturer of core materials for the wind energy, mass transit, marine and military markets, will relocate to a new manufacturing facility in Guilford County. The company plans to create 68 jobs and invest $3.25 million over the next three years.
_ DNP IMS America Corp., a printing-technology company, will expand in Concord. The company plans to create 37 jobs and invest $24.8 million during the next three years.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Sept. 16, 2010 From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr.
North Carolina is getting tougher on criminals in this state, while also trying to assure that we are punishing the right people. In this past session, I helped pass several laws to help us better track criminals and to provide better education to our judicial officials. I am proud of the work we have done in this area and we will continue pressing for changes in the General Assembly and in our courts. The integrity of our court system should never be called into question.
If you have any questions or if I can be of service to you, please contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government.
Animal Abuse
_ Following the abuse case of a dog in Guilford County named Susie, the General Assembly toughened the animal cruelty laws in North Carolina. The new law (S.L. 2010-16, SB 254) increases from a misdemeanor to a felony the penalty for maliciously killing an animal by depriving it of food or drink. It also allows for stiffer punishment in cases of abuse. The law becomes effective December 1.
DNA Evidence
_ The DNA Database Act of 2010 requires law enforcement to take DNA sample from some criminal suspects upon their arrests. Currently, 23 other states and the federal government have DNA upon arrest statutes and North Carolina already permits collection of DNA from convicted felons. The new law (S.L. 2010-94, HB 1403) requires DNA collection for suspects accused of murder, manslaughter, rape or sex offenses, felony assaults with a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury, kidnapping or human trafficking, burglary offenses, arson, armed robbery, stalking, cyberstalking, and any offense which would require the person to register as a sex offender. The act applies to anyone arrested for attempting, soliciting, conspiring, or aiding and abetting another to commit a listed offense. The records and samples relating to a defendant’s DNA sample must be expunged by if the charge is dismissed, the defendant is acquitted of the charge, the charge is not filed within a designated time period, or if the defendant is found guilty of a lesser-included misdemeanor that is not on the list of offenses contained in the act.
_ The Joint Select Committee on Preservation of Biological Evidence has been extended. The committee is reviewing matters related to the preservation of DNA and biological evidence. (S.L. 2010-152, Sec. 24, SB 900).
Sex Offenders and Domestic Violence
_ All convicted sex offenders from other states still serving a sentence must now register with the state. The previous law only required people convicted since December 1, 2006 to register. The new law (S.L. 2010-174, HB 726) goes into place Oct. 1.
_ The state Supreme Court must now establish minimum education standards for district court judges handling domestic violence cases. The law (S.L. 2010-106, HB 1762) also encourages The University of North Carolina School of Government to provide domestic violence training for district court judges and magistrates.
_ Law enforcement or a prosecutor must now provide a defendant’s criminal history to a judicial official when the judge is considering pretrial release conditions for people accused of domestic violence. The law (S.L. 2010-135, HB 1812) requires judge to consider the record as part of their decision about possible limits on the defendants.
Gambling
_ North Carolina has once again banned the use of electronic machines or devices for conducting or promoting sweepstakes. The act (S.L. 2010-103, HB 80) makes it unlawful for any person to operate, or place into operation, an electronic machine or device to conduct a sweepstakes through the use of an entertaining display, or to promote a sweepstakes that is conducted through the use of an entertaining display. Violation of the law is misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony upon a second offense.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
If you have any questions or if I can be of service to you, please contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government.
Animal Abuse
_ Following the abuse case of a dog in Guilford County named Susie, the General Assembly toughened the animal cruelty laws in North Carolina. The new law (S.L. 2010-16, SB 254) increases from a misdemeanor to a felony the penalty for maliciously killing an animal by depriving it of food or drink. It also allows for stiffer punishment in cases of abuse. The law becomes effective December 1.
DNA Evidence
_ The DNA Database Act of 2010 requires law enforcement to take DNA sample from some criminal suspects upon their arrests. Currently, 23 other states and the federal government have DNA upon arrest statutes and North Carolina already permits collection of DNA from convicted felons. The new law (S.L. 2010-94, HB 1403) requires DNA collection for suspects accused of murder, manslaughter, rape or sex offenses, felony assaults with a deadly weapon or causing serious bodily injury, kidnapping or human trafficking, burglary offenses, arson, armed robbery, stalking, cyberstalking, and any offense which would require the person to register as a sex offender. The act applies to anyone arrested for attempting, soliciting, conspiring, or aiding and abetting another to commit a listed offense. The records and samples relating to a defendant’s DNA sample must be expunged by if the charge is dismissed, the defendant is acquitted of the charge, the charge is not filed within a designated time period, or if the defendant is found guilty of a lesser-included misdemeanor that is not on the list of offenses contained in the act.
_ The Joint Select Committee on Preservation of Biological Evidence has been extended. The committee is reviewing matters related to the preservation of DNA and biological evidence. (S.L. 2010-152, Sec. 24, SB 900).
Sex Offenders and Domestic Violence
_ All convicted sex offenders from other states still serving a sentence must now register with the state. The previous law only required people convicted since December 1, 2006 to register. The new law (S.L. 2010-174, HB 726) goes into place Oct. 1.
_ The state Supreme Court must now establish minimum education standards for district court judges handling domestic violence cases. The law (S.L. 2010-106, HB 1762) also encourages The University of North Carolina School of Government to provide domestic violence training for district court judges and magistrates.
_ Law enforcement or a prosecutor must now provide a defendant’s criminal history to a judicial official when the judge is considering pretrial release conditions for people accused of domestic violence. The law (S.L. 2010-135, HB 1812) requires judge to consider the record as part of their decision about possible limits on the defendants.
Gambling
_ North Carolina has once again banned the use of electronic machines or devices for conducting or promoting sweepstakes. The act (S.L. 2010-103, HB 80) makes it unlawful for any person to operate, or place into operation, an electronic machine or device to conduct a sweepstakes through the use of an entertaining display, or to promote a sweepstakes that is conducted through the use of an entertaining display. Violation of the law is misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony upon a second offense.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Sept. 9, 2010 From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr.
North Carolina suffered through a record-breaking drought in 2007 and the aftermath of that difficult time continues to influence our public policy. In addition to the immediate response to that crisis, we have made a number of changes that will improve our long-term approach to water planning. One of the decisions made in the House of Representatives was to establish a standing House Committee on Water Resources and Infrastructure so that we can examine water resource issues more closely and develop more expertise in the area. That committee has been busy and closely considered a number of measures.
This week, I’ll share some highlights of the legislation we passed this year to improve our water systems and planning.
If you have any questions or if I can be of service to you, please contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government.
Public Water
_ A new law (S.L. 2010-150, HB 1747) directs large community water systems and local governments that provide public water service to revise their local water supply plans when 80 percent of the water system's available water supply (based on calendar year average daily demand) has been allocated or when seasonal demand exceeds 90 percent. The plans must address foreseeable future water needs. Local governments must normally develop and submit such plans to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at least once every five years.
Grants and Loans
_ The state has modified its criteria for which water and sewer projects receive priority when applying for grants and loans. The changes in the law (S.L. 2010-151, HB 1744):
· Clarify that the repair or replacement of leaking waterlines is a priority in situations where the line repair or replacement is being done to either improve water conservation and efficiency or to prevent contamination.
· Give priority to local governments with more than 1,000 service connections over similarly sized units if they have an asset management plan.
· Establish that a high-unit-cost project has priority over lower-cost projects. In addition, the act establishes a sliding scale system for determining the priority given to projects that exceed the high-unit-cost threshold.
· Give priority to those projects that promote the consolidation, management, merger, or interconnection of water systems. If an applicant demonstrates it is not feasible for the project to include regionalization, the funding agency must assign the project the same priority as a project that includes regionalization.
· Direct each local government to develop and submit a local water supply plan to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at least once every five years. The department must use the information in the plans to create a state water supply plan and must also identify potential conflicts among the various local plans and ways in which local water supply programs could be better coordinated.
· Require local governments to adopt minimum water conservation measures to respond to drought or other water shortage conditions, but allows local governments to adopt more stringent standards. The act gives priority to those projects that adopt more stringent water conservation measures.
Studies
_ The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has been directed to establish a task force to: (1) develop a statewide survey to assess the state's water and wastewater infrastructure needs; (2) develop a plan for incorporating the information compiled from the United States Environmental Protection Agency surveys into the State Water Supply Plan; and (3) develop a plan for the creation and maintenance of a statewide water and wastewater infrastructure resource and funding database.
The act (S.L. 2010-144, HB 1746) also asks the department and the Local Government Commission to evaluate the costs and benefits of increasing the oversight of public water systems and wastewater. The agencies must report their findings and recommendations to the Legislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure no later than November 1.
_ The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have been asked to: (1) work with the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, other agricultural organizations, and farmers to develop a plan to identify and report on agricultural water infrastructure needs; (2) identify and encourage voluntary practices that conserve and protect water resources; and (3) design a cost-share program to assist farmers and agricultural landowners who implement best management practices to conserve and protect water resources related to agricultural use. The law (S.L. 2010-149, HB 1748) also requires that a report on their findings and recommendations be submitted to the Legislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure no later than November 1.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
This week, I’ll share some highlights of the legislation we passed this year to improve our water systems and planning.
If you have any questions or if I can be of service to you, please contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government.
Public Water
_ A new law (S.L. 2010-150, HB 1747) directs large community water systems and local governments that provide public water service to revise their local water supply plans when 80 percent of the water system's available water supply (based on calendar year average daily demand) has been allocated or when seasonal demand exceeds 90 percent. The plans must address foreseeable future water needs. Local governments must normally develop and submit such plans to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at least once every five years.
Grants and Loans
_ The state has modified its criteria for which water and sewer projects receive priority when applying for grants and loans. The changes in the law (S.L. 2010-151, HB 1744):
· Clarify that the repair or replacement of leaking waterlines is a priority in situations where the line repair or replacement is being done to either improve water conservation and efficiency or to prevent contamination.
· Give priority to local governments with more than 1,000 service connections over similarly sized units if they have an asset management plan.
· Establish that a high-unit-cost project has priority over lower-cost projects. In addition, the act establishes a sliding scale system for determining the priority given to projects that exceed the high-unit-cost threshold.
· Give priority to those projects that promote the consolidation, management, merger, or interconnection of water systems. If an applicant demonstrates it is not feasible for the project to include regionalization, the funding agency must assign the project the same priority as a project that includes regionalization.
· Direct each local government to develop and submit a local water supply plan to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at least once every five years. The department must use the information in the plans to create a state water supply plan and must also identify potential conflicts among the various local plans and ways in which local water supply programs could be better coordinated.
· Require local governments to adopt minimum water conservation measures to respond to drought or other water shortage conditions, but allows local governments to adopt more stringent standards. The act gives priority to those projects that adopt more stringent water conservation measures.
Studies
_ The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has been directed to establish a task force to: (1) develop a statewide survey to assess the state's water and wastewater infrastructure needs; (2) develop a plan for incorporating the information compiled from the United States Environmental Protection Agency surveys into the State Water Supply Plan; and (3) develop a plan for the creation and maintenance of a statewide water and wastewater infrastructure resource and funding database.
The act (S.L. 2010-144, HB 1746) also asks the department and the Local Government Commission to evaluate the costs and benefits of increasing the oversight of public water systems and wastewater. The agencies must report their findings and recommendations to the Legislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure no later than November 1.
_ The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have been asked to: (1) work with the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, other agricultural organizations, and farmers to develop a plan to identify and report on agricultural water infrastructure needs; (2) identify and encourage voluntary practices that conserve and protect water resources; and (3) design a cost-share program to assist farmers and agricultural landowners who implement best management practices to conserve and protect water resources related to agricultural use. The law (S.L. 2010-149, HB 1748) also requires that a report on their findings and recommendations be submitted to the Legislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure no later than November 1.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. Sept. 2, 2010
One of the fastest growing parts of the state budget is Medicaid, the health plan for poor people who need extra help covering their medical costs. Since fiscal year 2000, the state’s budget for medical expenses associated with Medicaid, including federal dollars, has increased from $4.8 billion to $9.9 billion. The state and local share of those costs during that time has grown from roughly $1.8 billion to $2.3 billion. The original budget for this fiscal year called for an increase in this line item to $2.7 billion. The increased cost of Medicaid can be attributed to many things, including population growth, an aging population, rising medical costs and the recent economic downturn. Still, faced with balancing a budget without raising taxes, my colleagues and I identified several cost cutting measures this year that kept the budget essentially flat while still providing service to those who need some help getting through difficult times. This week, I wanted to share some of our recent work in this area with you.
If you have any questions or if I can be of service to you, please contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government.
Efficiencies
The state approved a number of measures this year intended to help trim Medicaid costs. These efficiency measures include:
· Authorizing the Department of Health and Human Services to require prior authorization for brand name drugs for which the phrase "medically necessary" is written on the prescription.
· Allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prevent the substitution of generic drugs for brand name drugs if after consideration of all rebates the cost is less than the generic.
· Requiring that medications prescribed for mental illness are included on the Preferred Drug List. This measure, in addition to the previous two, is expected to save at least $10 million in drug costs.
· Limiting coverage to procedures recognized or approved by the National Institutes of Health.
· Directing the department to apply Medicaid medical policy to recipients who have primary insurance other than Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid.
The state also made several steps in the effort to combat Medicaid fraud. The anticipated savings from these measures is expected to reach $40 million this year. These efforts include:
· Authorizing the Department of Health and Human Services to create a fraud prevention program that uses information from state and private databases to develop a fraud risk analysis of Medicaid providers and recipients.
· Allowing the department to modify or extend existing contracts to achieve Medicaid fraud prevention savings in a timely manner.
· Establishing a Class I felony for knowingly and willfully soliciting or receiving kickbacks, bribes, or rebates in return for or to induce a person to engage in Medicaid fraud.
· Doubling the Medicaid Investigative Unit staff at the Attorney General’s Office to expand the prosecution of Medicaid fraud and abuse. Additional staff will ensure increased prosecution and additional Medicaid funds recovered from fraudulent providers.
Budget
The state’s budget also calls for saving $50 million in Medicaid costs by better case management. The initiatives:
· Expand efforts of the Community Care Network of North Carolina (CCNC). The Department of Health and Human Services contracts with the network to manage use of Medicaid services. Savings will be generated by expanding care management programs in hospital discharge, mental health; palliative care, and pharmacy. The improved system will enhance data integration, analytics, and reporting, increasing performance and save an estimated $45 million.
· Eliminate Medicaid reimbursement of 'never events' in hospital inpatient settings. 'Never events' are certain types of medical issues that develop or are acquired while a person is in a hospital, but should have been prevented. The policy change brings Medicaid in line with Medicare reimbursement. Estimated savings are $5 million.
Studies
Legislators have also asked for two studies related to Medicaid policies. The studies will examine:
· Provider rates - The Department of Health and Human Services or a contracted group will study reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers and program benefits.
· HIV waivers - The department will study the feasibility of reducing the waiting list for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program by expanding eligibility for Medicaid to HIV positive individuals with incomes at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
If you have any questions or if I can be of service to you, please contact me. Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government.
Efficiencies
The state approved a number of measures this year intended to help trim Medicaid costs. These efficiency measures include:
· Authorizing the Department of Health and Human Services to require prior authorization for brand name drugs for which the phrase "medically necessary" is written on the prescription.
· Allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prevent the substitution of generic drugs for brand name drugs if after consideration of all rebates the cost is less than the generic.
· Requiring that medications prescribed for mental illness are included on the Preferred Drug List. This measure, in addition to the previous two, is expected to save at least $10 million in drug costs.
· Limiting coverage to procedures recognized or approved by the National Institutes of Health.
· Directing the department to apply Medicaid medical policy to recipients who have primary insurance other than Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid.
The state also made several steps in the effort to combat Medicaid fraud. The anticipated savings from these measures is expected to reach $40 million this year. These efforts include:
· Authorizing the Department of Health and Human Services to create a fraud prevention program that uses information from state and private databases to develop a fraud risk analysis of Medicaid providers and recipients.
· Allowing the department to modify or extend existing contracts to achieve Medicaid fraud prevention savings in a timely manner.
· Establishing a Class I felony for knowingly and willfully soliciting or receiving kickbacks, bribes, or rebates in return for or to induce a person to engage in Medicaid fraud.
· Doubling the Medicaid Investigative Unit staff at the Attorney General’s Office to expand the prosecution of Medicaid fraud and abuse. Additional staff will ensure increased prosecution and additional Medicaid funds recovered from fraudulent providers.
Budget
The state’s budget also calls for saving $50 million in Medicaid costs by better case management. The initiatives:
· Expand efforts of the Community Care Network of North Carolina (CCNC). The Department of Health and Human Services contracts with the network to manage use of Medicaid services. Savings will be generated by expanding care management programs in hospital discharge, mental health; palliative care, and pharmacy. The improved system will enhance data integration, analytics, and reporting, increasing performance and save an estimated $45 million.
· Eliminate Medicaid reimbursement of 'never events' in hospital inpatient settings. 'Never events' are certain types of medical issues that develop or are acquired while a person is in a hospital, but should have been prevented. The policy change brings Medicaid in line with Medicare reimbursement. Estimated savings are $5 million.
Studies
Legislators have also asked for two studies related to Medicaid policies. The studies will examine:
· Provider rates - The Department of Health and Human Services or a contracted group will study reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers and program benefits.
· HIV waivers - The department will study the feasibility of reducing the waiting list for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program by expanding eligibility for Medicaid to HIV positive individuals with incomes at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. August 12, 2010
While North Carolina has become a more urban state in the past 20 years, small and rural communities continue to make up a large part of our population. In fact, all or parts of at least 85 counties in North Carolina are considered rural. These communities are an important part of our state and their success helps ensure success for all of us. Fittingly, we have a number of important initiatives that are either in place or expanding to help serve the people who live in rural North Carolina. I have included some information this week for you about some of these programs. I hope you find it useful.
Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government. Please contact me if I can be of any service to you.
Jobs and Economy
_ The Rural Economic Development Center has almost $24 million in grant money to help create jobs through two important programs.
_ Nearly $13 million is available through the center’s Economic Infrastructure Water and Sewer Grants Program. The grants can be used to upgrade utilities to allow for new business locations or expansions. Up to $10,000 is available for each job to be created, with a maximum grant of $1 million or half the total project cost. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
_ The General Assembly expanded the Building Reuse and Restoration Grants Program by $3 million. The $11 million program helps communities restore and renovate vacant buildings for use by new and expanding businesses. Development grants of up to $480,000 are available for projects in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties. Grants are capped at $240,000 for projects in Tier 3 counties. For most projects, at least one job must be created for each $8,000 in grant funding. The next application deadline is Sept. 3.
Since they were launched in 2004, the two programs combined have awarded more than $80 million to 378 projects, assisting 470 businesses and creating 11,200 jobs. The grants are awarded to local governments, which work with the businesses to ensure job creation.
_ The General Assembly expanded the Rural Center’s Small Business Assistance Fund from $500,000 to $1.5 million. The center is working with the Self-Help Credit Union to leverage the state’s investment into $7.5 million in small business loans. The additional $1 million in this fund is expected to result in loans to more than 150 small businesses that will create 550 jobs. The priority for these loans goes to businesses: in rural counties; owned by women or minorities; with less than 100 employees and $10 million in sales; that create new jobs that pay above their county’s average wage; and that leverage federal stimulus dollars.
_ The Rural Center received $1 million in additional money for the Family Farm Opportunity and Innovation Fund. The money will be distributed to farmers in grants of up to $20,000 to help improve energy efficiency on the farm, to develop new markets for their products and to develop new products. The total value of the fund from all sources is $18 million, including $1 million from the Tobacco Trust Fund to match the state’s contribution.
Agriculture
_ Agriculture remains the state’s top industry with an estimated annual value of $70 billion. Seventeen percent of all jobs in the state are related to agriculture or agribusiness. The industry is threatened by increasing urbanization. Since 2002, North Carolina has lost more than 6,000 farms and 600,000 acres of farmland. Legislators are trying to stem the losses through the work of the state’s Farmland Preservation Trust. The trust supports farming, forestry, and horticulture by buying agriculture and conservation easements and funding programs that help family farmers develop business and marketing plans. The General Assembly put $2 million into the trust this year.
_ The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have been directed to help develop a plan and a report on agricultural water infrastructure needs. The new law (SL2010-149, H1748) instructs the departments to continue to work with the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, other agricultural groups, and farmers on the plan, as well as to identify and encourage voluntary water conservation and protection. The law also calls for the development of a cost-share program to help farmers and agricultural landowners who adopt best management practices for water conservation. The departments must report their findings to the Legislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure by Nov. 1.
_ The state provided $250,000 for the Department of Agriculture “Got to Be NC” marketing campaign. This program promotes North Carolina farm products by helping to develop markets for North Carolina produce and products in grocery stores, restaurants, farmers markets, and other establishments.
_ The Department of Agriculture received $200,000 to augment its international trade efforts. The department's International Trade Office helps connect farmers and North Carolina suppliers of agricultural commodities to international buyers. This money will help support additional international trade efforts and missions, especially in the growing export markets for pork, tobacco, and cotton to China and Central America.
Miscellaneous
_ The state Office of Rural Health has received $1 million to help small rural hospitals pay for operations and infrastructure maintenance. The office works collaboratively with the NC Hospital Association to distribute the money. Hospitals can typically request $75,000 to $125,000 for equipment or enhancements that will help improve their long-term fiscal stability.
_ A person who has been issued a permit to remove a coyote now has an additional option under legislation approved this year by the General Assembly. A new law (SL 2010 -156, H1824) allows the use of a humane, live capture collar trap. The trap works by throwing a cable loop over the animal’s head. The end of the loop is anchored in the ground. The law requires that the trap be checked daily and that a dog or any other animal not targeted by the trap be released unharmed. The law was recommended by the House Select Committee on Coyote Nuisance Control.
_ The Legislative Research Commission has been authorized to study the issue of whether the Wildlife Resources has carried out its mandate to increase its capability for studying foxes and other fur-bearing populations and then to implement plans that would produce “optimum” populations of the animals in the state. The study allows the commission to solicit input from hunters, trappers, public health authorities, agriculture officials and other interested parties. The studies bill (SL2010-152, S900) also allows for a study of the issue of adequate insurance coverage options for fresh produce growers.
Notes
_ Medicago will bring a new vaccine production facility to Durham, creating 85 jobs. The project was made possible in part by a $128,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
_ Noranda Aluminum will expand its Norandal USA plant in Salisbury. The company plans to create 25 jobs and invest $7 million. The project was made possible in part by a $108,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government. Please contact me if I can be of any service to you.
Jobs and Economy
_ The Rural Economic Development Center has almost $24 million in grant money to help create jobs through two important programs.
_ Nearly $13 million is available through the center’s Economic Infrastructure Water and Sewer Grants Program. The grants can be used to upgrade utilities to allow for new business locations or expansions. Up to $10,000 is available for each job to be created, with a maximum grant of $1 million or half the total project cost. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
_ The General Assembly expanded the Building Reuse and Restoration Grants Program by $3 million. The $11 million program helps communities restore and renovate vacant buildings for use by new and expanding businesses. Development grants of up to $480,000 are available for projects in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties. Grants are capped at $240,000 for projects in Tier 3 counties. For most projects, at least one job must be created for each $8,000 in grant funding. The next application deadline is Sept. 3.
Since they were launched in 2004, the two programs combined have awarded more than $80 million to 378 projects, assisting 470 businesses and creating 11,200 jobs. The grants are awarded to local governments, which work with the businesses to ensure job creation.
_ The General Assembly expanded the Rural Center’s Small Business Assistance Fund from $500,000 to $1.5 million. The center is working with the Self-Help Credit Union to leverage the state’s investment into $7.5 million in small business loans. The additional $1 million in this fund is expected to result in loans to more than 150 small businesses that will create 550 jobs. The priority for these loans goes to businesses: in rural counties; owned by women or minorities; with less than 100 employees and $10 million in sales; that create new jobs that pay above their county’s average wage; and that leverage federal stimulus dollars.
_ The Rural Center received $1 million in additional money for the Family Farm Opportunity and Innovation Fund. The money will be distributed to farmers in grants of up to $20,000 to help improve energy efficiency on the farm, to develop new markets for their products and to develop new products. The total value of the fund from all sources is $18 million, including $1 million from the Tobacco Trust Fund to match the state’s contribution.
Agriculture
_ Agriculture remains the state’s top industry with an estimated annual value of $70 billion. Seventeen percent of all jobs in the state are related to agriculture or agribusiness. The industry is threatened by increasing urbanization. Since 2002, North Carolina has lost more than 6,000 farms and 600,000 acres of farmland. Legislators are trying to stem the losses through the work of the state’s Farmland Preservation Trust. The trust supports farming, forestry, and horticulture by buying agriculture and conservation easements and funding programs that help family farmers develop business and marketing plans. The General Assembly put $2 million into the trust this year.
_ The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have been directed to help develop a plan and a report on agricultural water infrastructure needs. The new law (SL2010-149, H1748) instructs the departments to continue to work with the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, other agricultural groups, and farmers on the plan, as well as to identify and encourage voluntary water conservation and protection. The law also calls for the development of a cost-share program to help farmers and agricultural landowners who adopt best management practices for water conservation. The departments must report their findings to the Legislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure by Nov. 1.
_ The state provided $250,000 for the Department of Agriculture “Got to Be NC” marketing campaign. This program promotes North Carolina farm products by helping to develop markets for North Carolina produce and products in grocery stores, restaurants, farmers markets, and other establishments.
_ The Department of Agriculture received $200,000 to augment its international trade efforts. The department's International Trade Office helps connect farmers and North Carolina suppliers of agricultural commodities to international buyers. This money will help support additional international trade efforts and missions, especially in the growing export markets for pork, tobacco, and cotton to China and Central America.
Miscellaneous
_ The state Office of Rural Health has received $1 million to help small rural hospitals pay for operations and infrastructure maintenance. The office works collaboratively with the NC Hospital Association to distribute the money. Hospitals can typically request $75,000 to $125,000 for equipment or enhancements that will help improve their long-term fiscal stability.
_ A person who has been issued a permit to remove a coyote now has an additional option under legislation approved this year by the General Assembly. A new law (SL 2010 -156, H1824) allows the use of a humane, live capture collar trap. The trap works by throwing a cable loop over the animal’s head. The end of the loop is anchored in the ground. The law requires that the trap be checked daily and that a dog or any other animal not targeted by the trap be released unharmed. The law was recommended by the House Select Committee on Coyote Nuisance Control.
_ The Legislative Research Commission has been authorized to study the issue of whether the Wildlife Resources has carried out its mandate to increase its capability for studying foxes and other fur-bearing populations and then to implement plans that would produce “optimum” populations of the animals in the state. The study allows the commission to solicit input from hunters, trappers, public health authorities, agriculture officials and other interested parties. The studies bill (SL2010-152, S900) also allows for a study of the issue of adequate insurance coverage options for fresh produce growers.
Notes
_ Medicago will bring a new vaccine production facility to Durham, creating 85 jobs. The project was made possible in part by a $128,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
_ Noranda Aluminum will expand its Norandal USA plant in Salisbury. The company plans to create 25 jobs and invest $7 million. The project was made possible in part by a $108,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. August 5, 2010
While I have been busy in my district this week, it has also been a busy time in Raleigh with the governor signing several bills into law over the past few days. These laws will reform the state’s ethics rules, protect our coast from oil spill damage and spell out how we should dispose of our state flag, among other things. The governor also visited the National Guard Aviation Facility in Morrisville on Wednesday to sign four bills designed to assist members of our military. This week, I thought I would share some information with you about those bills, as well as some of the other ways we have tried to make North Carolina friendly to the members of the Armed Services. We are proud of our military presence and heritage in this state and I believe our record reflects that.
I also want to take this chance to remind you about the sales-tax holiday, which will run Friday through Sunday. For more information about the tax holiday, and a complete list of tax-free items, please visit the Department of Revenue’s Web site:
http://www.dor.state.nc.us/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html
Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government. I hope you will contact me if I can be of any service to you.
2010 Laws
_ Members of the military in North Carolina can now use the military’s emergency data form to set out their wishes for how their bodies are handled if they are killed in service. Previously, the law recognized only a will, a health care power of attorney or a document witnessed by two other adults as legally sufficient directions for how a soldier’s body should be handled after death. Some members of the military did not use these other instruments because they believed their wishes as stated to the military were sufficient. The law (SL2010-191) also officially recognizes the Honor and Remember flag as a symbol to honor and recognize fallen members of the Armed Services.
_ North Carolina built upon the significant reforms it made last year to military voting with a law that makes it easier for deployed service members to vote. The most recent change in the law (SL2010-192) considers a single application for an absentee ballot from a uniformed voter as an application for all absentee ballots for elections the voter is eligible for in that calendar year. The change is intended to make it easier for deployed soldiers to vote without having to file multiple requests for absentee ballots.
_ The courts-martial rules for the state National Guard have been updated to more closely follow the system used by United States military courts. The law (SL2010-193) will help ensure that military court proceedings are handled consistently and professionally for our National Guard members.
_ Banks and other lending institutions are now prohibited from foreclosing on the mortgage of a member of a military who is serving an active duty deployment. A new law (SL2010-190) requires the lender to give the member of the military at least 90 days after the end of the deployment before they can foreclose on the property. The exemption applies only to property purchased before the deployment. The additional time granted is intended to help members of the military find ways to save the property from foreclosure if possible.
_ Another law (SL2010-39) signed by the governor earlier this year will make it easier for veterans of Operation Desert Storm and the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to get specialty license plates noting their service.
2009 Accomplishments
_We continue to appropriate funds to the community colleges so the NC Military Business Center can continue its important work. The military business center coordinates and facilitates for small- and medium-sized businesses throughout the state seeking to win and complete federal contracts, with a focus on military-related contracts. The center has received $2.5 million over the past two years.
_The North Carolina's Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy, a quasi-military program for high school dropouts, or expellees, received $2 million over the past two budget years. The program is sponsored by the North Carolina National Guard and receives matching funds from the federal government equal to $60 for every $40 of state funds.
_ Public university students called to active duty may soon be exempted from paying tuition penalties for not completing their degree on time. The University of North Carolina Board of Governors is working to establish a policy that excuses these students from paying the charge if their active duty is the reason for the extra time needed to complete their courses of study.
_A new state law will make it easier for members of the military reserves to renew their drivers’ licenses after they receive deployment orders (H.B. 98 - S.L. 2009-274). The law allows members of the Armed Forces to renew their drivers’ licenses upon receipt of deployment orders and give them a 30-day grace period for an expired license after they are released from military duty outside of the United States.
_Legislation meant to ensure that certain special license plates that are available to military veterans are issued to the right people has been signed into law (H.B. 1094 - S.L. 2009-121). The new law is intended to prevent impostors from purchasing military license plates, including plates that indicate the recipient of a Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross or Bronze Star. Applicants for these military plates would have to provide proof that they qualify for the plates.
_We have helped pass a new law regarding unemployment insurance compensation for certain severely disabled veterans who have been discharged due to a service-connected disability (H.B. 1124 - S.L. 2009-101). Severely injured veterans will now receive unemployment benefits if they lose their job because of a disability incurred or aggravated during active military service or because of the veteran’s absence from work to obtain care and treatment for that disability.
_A new state law directs the state’s occupational licensing to help deployed licensees waive or delay payment of fees and continuing education requirements (H.B. 1411 - S.L. 2009-458).This new law will help reservists who are sent off to war to keep from losing the licenses they need to keep their civilian jobs.
_ North Carolina’s absentee voting laws have been improved under a new state law (S.B. 253 – S.L. 2009-537). The law is specifically intended to improve the ability of military and overseas voters to cast timely ballots. This is incredibly important because it is vital that those defending democracy have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
_Uniformed public safety officers will now be authorized to wear military service medals during the business week prior to Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the day of Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and the business day immediately following Veterans Day and Memorial Day under a new state law (H.B. 631 - S.L. 2009-240). Employers will maintain the right to prohibit the wearing of service medals if it’s determined they pose a safety hazard to the officer or to the public.
Notes
_ Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar announced in the past week that it would add more than 825 jobs at two sites in North Carolina. The company plans to build a $426 million plant in Winston-Salem that will eventually employ more than 500 people. It also has plans for a $30 million expansion at its plant in Sanford, where it will add 325 workers. Both projects received state economic development grants.
_ Furniture maker Ethan Allen Operations Inc. plans to create 90 jobs and invest $250,000 to expand its production capacity in Old Fort. The project was made possible in part by a $270,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
_ Boral Composites Inc., a sister company to Boral Bricks in East Spencer, plans to open a plant in Rowan County to produce a new “green” product line for homebuilding. The company plans to create 25 jobs and invest $12.8 million. The project was made possible in part by a $50,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
I also want to take this chance to remind you about the sales-tax holiday, which will run Friday through Sunday. For more information about the tax holiday, and a complete list of tax-free items, please visit the Department of Revenue’s Web site:
http://www.dor.state.nc.us/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html
Thank you as always for your interest in North Carolina and state government. I hope you will contact me if I can be of any service to you.
2010 Laws
_ Members of the military in North Carolina can now use the military’s emergency data form to set out their wishes for how their bodies are handled if they are killed in service. Previously, the law recognized only a will, a health care power of attorney or a document witnessed by two other adults as legally sufficient directions for how a soldier’s body should be handled after death. Some members of the military did not use these other instruments because they believed their wishes as stated to the military were sufficient. The law (SL2010-191) also officially recognizes the Honor and Remember flag as a symbol to honor and recognize fallen members of the Armed Services.
_ North Carolina built upon the significant reforms it made last year to military voting with a law that makes it easier for deployed service members to vote. The most recent change in the law (SL2010-192) considers a single application for an absentee ballot from a uniformed voter as an application for all absentee ballots for elections the voter is eligible for in that calendar year. The change is intended to make it easier for deployed soldiers to vote without having to file multiple requests for absentee ballots.
_ The courts-martial rules for the state National Guard have been updated to more closely follow the system used by United States military courts. The law (SL2010-193) will help ensure that military court proceedings are handled consistently and professionally for our National Guard members.
_ Banks and other lending institutions are now prohibited from foreclosing on the mortgage of a member of a military who is serving an active duty deployment. A new law (SL2010-190) requires the lender to give the member of the military at least 90 days after the end of the deployment before they can foreclose on the property. The exemption applies only to property purchased before the deployment. The additional time granted is intended to help members of the military find ways to save the property from foreclosure if possible.
_ Another law (SL2010-39) signed by the governor earlier this year will make it easier for veterans of Operation Desert Storm and the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to get specialty license plates noting their service.
2009 Accomplishments
_We continue to appropriate funds to the community colleges so the NC Military Business Center can continue its important work. The military business center coordinates and facilitates for small- and medium-sized businesses throughout the state seeking to win and complete federal contracts, with a focus on military-related contracts. The center has received $2.5 million over the past two years.
_The North Carolina's Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy, a quasi-military program for high school dropouts, or expellees, received $2 million over the past two budget years. The program is sponsored by the North Carolina National Guard and receives matching funds from the federal government equal to $60 for every $40 of state funds.
_ Public university students called to active duty may soon be exempted from paying tuition penalties for not completing their degree on time. The University of North Carolina Board of Governors is working to establish a policy that excuses these students from paying the charge if their active duty is the reason for the extra time needed to complete their courses of study.
_A new state law will make it easier for members of the military reserves to renew their drivers’ licenses after they receive deployment orders (H.B. 98 - S.L. 2009-274). The law allows members of the Armed Forces to renew their drivers’ licenses upon receipt of deployment orders and give them a 30-day grace period for an expired license after they are released from military duty outside of the United States.
_Legislation meant to ensure that certain special license plates that are available to military veterans are issued to the right people has been signed into law (H.B. 1094 - S.L. 2009-121). The new law is intended to prevent impostors from purchasing military license plates, including plates that indicate the recipient of a Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross or Bronze Star. Applicants for these military plates would have to provide proof that they qualify for the plates.
_We have helped pass a new law regarding unemployment insurance compensation for certain severely disabled veterans who have been discharged due to a service-connected disability (H.B. 1124 - S.L. 2009-101). Severely injured veterans will now receive unemployment benefits if they lose their job because of a disability incurred or aggravated during active military service or because of the veteran’s absence from work to obtain care and treatment for that disability.
_A new state law directs the state’s occupational licensing to help deployed licensees waive or delay payment of fees and continuing education requirements (H.B. 1411 - S.L. 2009-458).This new law will help reservists who are sent off to war to keep from losing the licenses they need to keep their civilian jobs.
_ North Carolina’s absentee voting laws have been improved under a new state law (S.B. 253 – S.L. 2009-537). The law is specifically intended to improve the ability of military and overseas voters to cast timely ballots. This is incredibly important because it is vital that those defending democracy have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
_Uniformed public safety officers will now be authorized to wear military service medals during the business week prior to Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the day of Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and the business day immediately following Veterans Day and Memorial Day under a new state law (H.B. 631 - S.L. 2009-240). Employers will maintain the right to prohibit the wearing of service medals if it’s determined they pose a safety hazard to the officer or to the public.
Notes
_ Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar announced in the past week that it would add more than 825 jobs at two sites in North Carolina. The company plans to build a $426 million plant in Winston-Salem that will eventually employ more than 500 people. It also has plans for a $30 million expansion at its plant in Sanford, where it will add 325 workers. Both projects received state economic development grants.
_ Furniture maker Ethan Allen Operations Inc. plans to create 90 jobs and invest $250,000 to expand its production capacity in Old Fort. The project was made possible in part by a $270,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
_ Boral Composites Inc., a sister company to Boral Bricks in East Spencer, plans to open a plant in Rowan County to produce a new “green” product line for homebuilding. The company plans to create 25 jobs and invest $12.8 million. The project was made possible in part by a $50,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. July 29, 2010
Since our session ended, the governor has signed several pieces of legislation into law. These laws will help protect the vulnerable among us, make our education system stronger and improve our health system. These are good laws meant to help in difficult times.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Crime/Safety
_The North Carolina Supreme Court would be directed to establish minimum standards of domestic violence education and training for district court judges under a new state law (HB 1762 - S.L. 2010-106). The legislation also encourages the University of North Carolina School of Government to provide domestic violence education and training for judges and magistrates. The legislation is based on the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Committee on Domestic Violence.
_The penalty for the killing of an animal is increased from a Class A1 Misdemeanor to a Class H Felony under a new state law (SB 254 - S.L. 2010-16). The law also increases the penalty for the malicious abuse or torture of an animal from a Class I Felony to a Class H Felony. Susie's Law, as the legislation is commonly known, is named after a dog found burned and left to die in a Greensboro park last summer.
_Legislation that would provide a Survivor’s Alternate Benefit for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty has been signed into law (HB 766 - S.L. 2010-11). Under the law, the principal beneficiary of an officer who has completed 15 years of service will be entitled to the survivor’s benefit should that officer be killed in the line of duty.
_The Division of Aging and Adult Services will study whether to require criminal record checks for current and prospective owners, operators, and volunteers of adult day care programs and adult day health services programs. The legislation (HB 1703 - S.L. 2010-93) is based on the recommendations of the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging and was considered this week by the House Committee on Aging this week.
Health
_The Child Care Commission, in consultation with the Division of Child Development of the Department of Health and Human Services, would be required to develop improved nutrition standards for child care facilities under a new state law (HB 1726 - S.L. 2010-117). The legislation also directs the Division of Childcare Development to study and recommend guidelines for increased physical activity in child care facilities. The legislation is based on the recommendations of the Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity.
_Legislation that will allow already enrolled dependent children under the age of 26 who are not eligible for employer-based health care to remain on the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees for plan year 2010-2011 has been signed into law (HB 1707 - S.L. 2010-3). The legislation also directs the State Health Plan to consult with the Committee on Hospital and Medical Benefits before implanting a tobacco use testing program.
Miscellaneous
_School districts will have more flexibility to improve failing schools under a new state law. The law (SB 704 - S.L. 2010-1) gives school systems additional authority to reorganize failing schools, including the ability to operate them like charter schools. Charter schools are public schools that are exempt from some of the rules that apply to traditional schools. The legislation is expected to help strengthen the state’s application for federal education money.
_A new state law will provide for an alternative credit for qualifying expenses of a production company (HB 713 - S.L. 2010-89).
_The sunset on certain economic incentives has been extended under a new state law (HB 1973 - S.L. 2010-147). These economic incentives include a credit for constructing renewable fuel facilities, a credit for small business employee health benefits, and a credit for biodiesel producers, among others. The legislation will also provide an enhanced incentive for jobs in high unemployment counties.
Notes
_The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) and the North Carolina Military Foundation announced that Department of Defense spending in North Carolina grew by 10 percent and exceeded $4.0 billion in federal fiscal year 2009 – an increase of $363.8 million over procurement in the state in 2008.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Crime/Safety
_The North Carolina Supreme Court would be directed to establish minimum standards of domestic violence education and training for district court judges under a new state law (HB 1762 - S.L. 2010-106). The legislation also encourages the University of North Carolina School of Government to provide domestic violence education and training for judges and magistrates. The legislation is based on the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Committee on Domestic Violence.
_The penalty for the killing of an animal is increased from a Class A1 Misdemeanor to a Class H Felony under a new state law (SB 254 - S.L. 2010-16). The law also increases the penalty for the malicious abuse or torture of an animal from a Class I Felony to a Class H Felony. Susie's Law, as the legislation is commonly known, is named after a dog found burned and left to die in a Greensboro park last summer.
_Legislation that would provide a Survivor’s Alternate Benefit for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty has been signed into law (HB 766 - S.L. 2010-11). Under the law, the principal beneficiary of an officer who has completed 15 years of service will be entitled to the survivor’s benefit should that officer be killed in the line of duty.
_The Division of Aging and Adult Services will study whether to require criminal record checks for current and prospective owners, operators, and volunteers of adult day care programs and adult day health services programs. The legislation (HB 1703 - S.L. 2010-93) is based on the recommendations of the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging and was considered this week by the House Committee on Aging this week.
Health
_The Child Care Commission, in consultation with the Division of Child Development of the Department of Health and Human Services, would be required to develop improved nutrition standards for child care facilities under a new state law (HB 1726 - S.L. 2010-117). The legislation also directs the Division of Childcare Development to study and recommend guidelines for increased physical activity in child care facilities. The legislation is based on the recommendations of the Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity.
_Legislation that will allow already enrolled dependent children under the age of 26 who are not eligible for employer-based health care to remain on the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees for plan year 2010-2011 has been signed into law (HB 1707 - S.L. 2010-3). The legislation also directs the State Health Plan to consult with the Committee on Hospital and Medical Benefits before implanting a tobacco use testing program.
Miscellaneous
_School districts will have more flexibility to improve failing schools under a new state law. The law (SB 704 - S.L. 2010-1) gives school systems additional authority to reorganize failing schools, including the ability to operate them like charter schools. Charter schools are public schools that are exempt from some of the rules that apply to traditional schools. The legislation is expected to help strengthen the state’s application for federal education money.
_A new state law will provide for an alternative credit for qualifying expenses of a production company (HB 713 - S.L. 2010-89).
_The sunset on certain economic incentives has been extended under a new state law (HB 1973 - S.L. 2010-147). These economic incentives include a credit for constructing renewable fuel facilities, a credit for small business employee health benefits, and a credit for biodiesel producers, among others. The legislation will also provide an enhanced incentive for jobs in high unemployment counties.
Notes
_The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) and the North Carolina Military Foundation announced that Department of Defense spending in North Carolina grew by 10 percent and exceeded $4.0 billion in federal fiscal year 2009 – an increase of $363.8 million over procurement in the state in 2008.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. July 22, 2010
In recent years, North Carolina lawmakers have started to think more about our state’s energy policies. These efforts not only help us save money, but also help us conserve our resources and reduce our dependence on foreign oil and other energy sources from outside of our nation.
We made a number of important steps forward in this effort in this past session and I am pleased to share the highlights of our work with you.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Energy
_Legislation that will promote the use of renewable energy by extending the credit for constructing renewable fuel facilities and the credit for biodiesel producers has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (HB 1829). Among other things, the bill will also revise the tax credit for investing in renewable energy property and reinstate and expand the tax credit for a renewable energy property facility.
_The sunset on some economic incentives would be extended under a bill that has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (HB 1973). These economic incentives include a credit for constructing renewable fuel facilities, a credit for small business employee health benefits, and a credit for biodiesel producers, among others. Once enacted, the legislation will also provide an enhanced incentive for jobs in high unemployment counties.
Environment
_Certain environmental laws will be amended under a bill that has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (HB 1099). Among the changes are to (1) extend by one year the implementation of water system efficiency criteria for eligibility for state water infrastructure funds; (2) prohibit the use of high arsenic content glass beads when marking state or municipal roads or public vehicular areas; (3) modify the nutrient management strategy and adopt a sediments strategy for certain drinking water supply reservoirs; and (4) to protect and restore water quality and quantity in the Upper Neuse River Basin, Falls Lake, and other drinking water supply reservoirs by directing the environmental management commission to provide credit to local governments, land owners, and others who reduce water pollution in the Upper Neuse River Basin before permanent rules are adopted.
_A bill that modifies the computer equipment recycling plan requirements and the associated fee on manufacturers has been ratified by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Perdue (SB 887 - S.L. 2010-67). The legislation also makes further substantive, clarifying, technical, and conforming changes to the laws governing the management of discarded computer equipment and discarded televisions, as recommended by the Environmental Review Commission. The law is intended to ensure that end-of-life computer equipment and televisions are responsibly recycled, to promote conservation, and to protect public health and the environment. It will also provide for a comprehensive and convenient system for recycling and reuse of certain electronic equipment would be established and responsibility would be shared among manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and the state.
_Legislation to address oil spill liability, response and preparedness has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (SB 836). Among other things, the legislation will: (1) clarify liability for damages caused by the discharge of natural gas, oil, or drilling waste into state coastal fishing waters or offshore waters; (2) provide for the review of information related to proposed offshore fossil fuel facilities to determine whether they are consistent with state guidelines for the coastal area; (3) direct the Coastal Resources Commission to review existing laws and regulations that pertain to offshore energy exploration and production in light of the recent British Petroleum (BP) accident; (4) direct the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety to immediately review and update the oil spill contingency plan to prepare the state in the event that oil discharged from the BP leak comes to the North Carolina coast; and (5) direct the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to review limitations on recovery by the state for damage to public resources and for the cost of oil or other hazardous substance cleanup.
_Legislation that will establish a task force to develop a plan for the establishment and maintenance of a statewide water and wastewater infrastructure resource and funding database has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (HB 1746).
Notes
_C.M.I. Enterprises Inc., a national supplier of automotive soft-trim materials, will locate a new manufacturing facility in Rutherford County. The company plans to move its Florida manufacturing plant to Rutherfordton, creating 53 jobs and investing $697,000 including lease payments. The project was made possible in part by a $33,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
_Twenty-three private businesses, public agencies, and public and private universities will receive $5.6 million to create 400 jobs and internships to give students hands-on experience and training in North Carolina’s energy economy, the North Carolina Energy Office announced today. The federal funds will be combined with other private and public dollars to create an internship program worth nearly $8.7 million.
_Brunswick Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of recreational products and parent company of New Bern-based Hatteras Yachts, will expand in Craven County. The company plans to add 350 jobs over the next five years and invest $4.7 million. The expansion was made possible in part by state grants from the Job Development Investment Grant program and One North Carolina Fund.
_BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) will invest $38.4 million to build a warehouse and East Coast distribution center in Johnston County. The company plans to hire 187 workers to staff the facility over three years beginning in 2012. The project was made possible in part by a $600,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
We made a number of important steps forward in this effort in this past session and I am pleased to share the highlights of our work with you.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Energy
_Legislation that will promote the use of renewable energy by extending the credit for constructing renewable fuel facilities and the credit for biodiesel producers has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (HB 1829). Among other things, the bill will also revise the tax credit for investing in renewable energy property and reinstate and expand the tax credit for a renewable energy property facility.
_The sunset on some economic incentives would be extended under a bill that has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (HB 1973). These economic incentives include a credit for constructing renewable fuel facilities, a credit for small business employee health benefits, and a credit for biodiesel producers, among others. Once enacted, the legislation will also provide an enhanced incentive for jobs in high unemployment counties.
Environment
_Certain environmental laws will be amended under a bill that has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (HB 1099). Among the changes are to (1) extend by one year the implementation of water system efficiency criteria for eligibility for state water infrastructure funds; (2) prohibit the use of high arsenic content glass beads when marking state or municipal roads or public vehicular areas; (3) modify the nutrient management strategy and adopt a sediments strategy for certain drinking water supply reservoirs; and (4) to protect and restore water quality and quantity in the Upper Neuse River Basin, Falls Lake, and other drinking water supply reservoirs by directing the environmental management commission to provide credit to local governments, land owners, and others who reduce water pollution in the Upper Neuse River Basin before permanent rules are adopted.
_A bill that modifies the computer equipment recycling plan requirements and the associated fee on manufacturers has been ratified by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Perdue (SB 887 - S.L. 2010-67). The legislation also makes further substantive, clarifying, technical, and conforming changes to the laws governing the management of discarded computer equipment and discarded televisions, as recommended by the Environmental Review Commission. The law is intended to ensure that end-of-life computer equipment and televisions are responsibly recycled, to promote conservation, and to protect public health and the environment. It will also provide for a comprehensive and convenient system for recycling and reuse of certain electronic equipment would be established and responsibility would be shared among manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and the state.
_Legislation to address oil spill liability, response and preparedness has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (SB 836). Among other things, the legislation will: (1) clarify liability for damages caused by the discharge of natural gas, oil, or drilling waste into state coastal fishing waters or offshore waters; (2) provide for the review of information related to proposed offshore fossil fuel facilities to determine whether they are consistent with state guidelines for the coastal area; (3) direct the Coastal Resources Commission to review existing laws and regulations that pertain to offshore energy exploration and production in light of the recent British Petroleum (BP) accident; (4) direct the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety to immediately review and update the oil spill contingency plan to prepare the state in the event that oil discharged from the BP leak comes to the North Carolina coast; and (5) direct the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to review limitations on recovery by the state for damage to public resources and for the cost of oil or other hazardous substance cleanup.
_Legislation that will establish a task force to develop a plan for the establishment and maintenance of a statewide water and wastewater infrastructure resource and funding database has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (HB 1746).
Notes
_C.M.I. Enterprises Inc., a national supplier of automotive soft-trim materials, will locate a new manufacturing facility in Rutherford County. The company plans to move its Florida manufacturing plant to Rutherfordton, creating 53 jobs and investing $697,000 including lease payments. The project was made possible in part by a $33,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
_Twenty-three private businesses, public agencies, and public and private universities will receive $5.6 million to create 400 jobs and internships to give students hands-on experience and training in North Carolina’s energy economy, the North Carolina Energy Office announced today. The federal funds will be combined with other private and public dollars to create an internship program worth nearly $8.7 million.
_Brunswick Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of recreational products and parent company of New Bern-based Hatteras Yachts, will expand in Craven County. The company plans to add 350 jobs over the next five years and invest $4.7 million. The expansion was made possible in part by state grants from the Job Development Investment Grant program and One North Carolina Fund.
_BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) will invest $38.4 million to build a warehouse and East Coast distribution center in Johnston County. The company plans to hire 187 workers to staff the facility over three years beginning in 2012. The project was made possible in part by a $600,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Press Release: Sales Tax Holiday Weekend
NC General Assembly
House of Representatives
District 51
Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr.
Legislative Office Building, Room 305
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
Jimmy.Love@ncleg.net
919.715.3026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rep. Jimmy L. Love, Sr.
July 20, 2010 (919) 715-3026
REP. JIMMY L. LOVE REMINDS RESIDENTS OF SALES TAX HOLIDAY WEEKEND
RALEIGH – Rep. Jimmy Love today reminded his constituents to take advantage of the state’s sales tax holiday, which starts at 12:01 am on Friday, August 6 and ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 8. In an effort to better help consumers afford back-to-school items for their children, shoppers this weekend will not have to pay the sales tax on clothing, school supplies and computers.
“This weekend’s sales tax holiday will help North Carolina families better prepare their children for the start of school so they’re able to enter the classroom ready to learn,” Rep. Love said. “Friday through Sunday will be a great opportunity for families to save some money on necessary back-to-school items, while also supporting our local businesses. I hope that all residents of Lee and Harnett Counties will take advantage of this opportunity.”
The sales tax holiday was created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2001 and went into effect on January 1, 2002. During the sales tax holiday, consumers will not pay sales tax on clothing, footwear, and school supplies of $100 or less per item; school instructional materials of $300 or less per item; sports and recreation equipment of $50 or less per item, computers of $3,500 or less per item; and computer supplies of $250 or less per item.
For more information on the sales tax holiday, go to: www.dor.state.nc.us/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html.
###
House of Representatives
District 51
Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr.
Legislative Office Building, Room 305
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
Jimmy.Love@ncleg.net
919.715.3026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rep. Jimmy L. Love, Sr.
July 20, 2010 (919) 715-3026
REP. JIMMY L. LOVE REMINDS RESIDENTS OF SALES TAX HOLIDAY WEEKEND
RALEIGH – Rep. Jimmy Love today reminded his constituents to take advantage of the state’s sales tax holiday, which starts at 12:01 am on Friday, August 6 and ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 8. In an effort to better help consumers afford back-to-school items for their children, shoppers this weekend will not have to pay the sales tax on clothing, school supplies and computers.
“This weekend’s sales tax holiday will help North Carolina families better prepare their children for the start of school so they’re able to enter the classroom ready to learn,” Rep. Love said. “Friday through Sunday will be a great opportunity for families to save some money on necessary back-to-school items, while also supporting our local businesses. I hope that all residents of Lee and Harnett Counties will take advantage of this opportunity.”
The sales tax holiday was created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2001 and went into effect on January 1, 2002. During the sales tax holiday, consumers will not pay sales tax on clothing, footwear, and school supplies of $100 or less per item; school instructional materials of $300 or less per item; sports and recreation equipment of $50 or less per item, computers of $3,500 or less per item; and computer supplies of $250 or less per item.
For more information on the sales tax holiday, go to: www.dor.state.nc.us/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html.
###
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. July 1, 2010
Governor Perdue signed our final budget into law yesterday in time for the start of the fiscal year. The following information highlights just some of the important aspects of the state budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year that pertain to natural and economic resources and education. Next week, we will share information about budgets for Health and Human Services, the Judicial Branch, General Government, and Transportation.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Natural and Economic Resources
_ Provides funding to attract businesses to locate operations in North Carolina and to increase the sale of North Carolina exports, including agricultural commodities - $875,000
_ Provides additional funding for the One NC Fund to enhance the competitive position of North Carolina when recruiting national and international business and industry projects. Three percent of these funds shall be used for small business expansion - $12.5 million.
_ Appropriates funding for Job Maintenance and Capital Development Fund - $6 million
_ Funds the One NC Small Business Fund program, which provides matching grants to businesses that qualify for federal incentives funds - $1.5 million.
_ Provides funding for the Main Street Solutions Program and the creation of one two-year time limited position to administer the program. This program provides grants to active Main Street Communities and designated micropolitans with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 people. Grants are to be used to support downtown economic development, historic preservation initiatives, and other public and private improvement projects that will support small businesses and job creation - $1.5 million.
_ Provides funds to help create additional export opportunities for NC companies in Asian and South American markets and to increase North Carolina investment interest from Asian and South American companies - $200,000.
_ Appropriates money for matching funds for US Department of Energy grants to support energy research and green jobs - $1 million.
_ Provides funding for marketing North Carolina as a tourist destination - $1 million.
_ Provides funding to support the seven Regional Economic Development Commissions - $5 million.
_ Provides funds for the Biofuels Center - $5 million.
_ Provides nonrecurring matching funds to the Research Triangle Institute for a US Department of Energy grant for energy research and green jobs - $500,000.
_ Provides funds for small business loans for those who have limited access to credit - $750,000.
_ Provides additional funding for the Rural Center's Building Reuse and Restoration Program to strengthen the capacity of rural communities to compete for and attract new and expanding businesses. Funding for small-scale regional community development projects is also included - $3.13 million.
_ Provides funding to the Rural Center to continue the Small Business Assistance Fund - $1 million.
_ Provides money for the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund - $2 million.
_ Provides funds to support international trade initiatives - $200,000.
_ Provides funds for Got to Be NC marketing. This program promotes North Carolina's farmers by helping to develop markets for North Carolina produce and products in grocery stores, restaurants, farmers markets, and other establishments - $250,000.
_ Reduces personnel and operating expenses for aircraft operations. This reduction eliminates four pilot positions and two mechanic positions. The sale of 10 eliminated aircraft is expected to result in over $1.5 million in one-time revenue - $1.5 million.
_ Eliminates the Marine Fisheries Division's three helicopters and associated operating expenses in accordance with the recommendations from the Program Evaluation Division's Study of State Aircraft. The aircraft will be sold, generating one-time revenue of $35,000 - $60,218.
_ Provides nonrecurring funding for the Indian Economic Development Initiative - $100,000.
Education
_Public Schools
_ Prevents layoffs of any instructional personnel in K-12 by adjusting the lottery receipts budgeted for Classroom Teachers. Also redirects $16.8 million from the Lottery Reserve - $121 million.
_ Reduces the annual appropriation for the North Carolina Window on Student Education (NC WISE), as this project is deployed and is in operations and maintenance phase. Also there is a nonrecurring reduction of the cash balance – ($12 million).
_ Provides on a nonrecurring basis for the purchase of replacement textbooks for emergency situations. The State Board of Education shall develop rules and guidelines for the allocation of these funds - $2.5 million.
_ Provides funding to extend the Student Diagnostic Pilot program for a year in the existing 40 pilot schools. - $10 million
_ Eliminates end-of-grade test for geometry – ($585,459)
_Community Colleges
_ Fully funds enrollment growth to help pay for the 15 percent increase (33,013 students) in enrollment - $81 million.
_ Increases curriculum tuition from $50 to $56.50 for residents and from $241.30 to $248.50 for nonresidents. Tuition for full-time resident students will increase by a maximum of $208 per year, from $1,600 to $1,808 - $30 million.
_ Authorizes bonds for the purchase of instructional equipment and technology at all 58 colleges. - $33 million.
_ Restores the reduction made to the Small Business Center allotment in 2009. This funding will be added to each college’s base allocation. With this restoration, the total funding available for this program will be $5,756,853 - $402,861.
_ Provides funds to assist Minority Male Mentoring programs at community colleges. These programs provide such activities as academic and personal counseling, drug intervention, and personal growth and development. These funds will be distributed through a competitive application process - $900,000.
_UNC System
_ Mandates a management flexibility reduction for the UNC operating budget with a priority on non-teaching related budget cuts. This reduction is in addition to the $100 million management flexibility reduction authorized for the FY 2010-11 base budget – ($70 million).
_ Repeals the reimbursement to UNC institutions for their loss of revenue due to their compliance with a law that grants resident tuition to nonresident student athletes – ($9.4 million).
_ Reduces the General Fund advertising budgets of UNC campuses by 24 percent – ($2.5 million).
_ Reduces the $44 million annual appropriation to UNC Hospitals due to the entity's $501.1 million in unrestricted reserves – ($8 million).
_ Increases UNC Need-Based Financial Aid - $8.2 million.
_ Continues the phase-in of funding for the additional faculty and operating needs of the new School of Dentistry at East Carolina University that will open with 50 students in the Fall of 2011. To date, $5.5 million has been appropriated for the school's operating budget - $6 million. (36 positions)
_ Completes the staffing and operational needs of the Energy Production Infrastructure Center (EPIC) opening at UNC-Charlotte in the Fall of 2011. These funds will enable the hiring of research faculty in electrical power, power system infrastructure, and power plant engineering. These funds are in addition to the $2 million appropriated in 2009 - $3 million (23 positions).
_ Continues the phase-in of faculty and staff for the NC A&T/UNC-G Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering located at the Gateway University Research Park in Greensboro. The program will conduct research in areas such as drug design and delivery, nanobioengineering, and genetic screening. There has been $3.9 million appropriated to date for the operating budget for this program - $1 million. (23 positions)
_ Provides funds to North Carolina A&T State University's College of Engineering for 1) enhancement of the research infrastructure, 2) faculty retention, 3) recruitment of high quality students, and 4) additional support staff - $1 million. (10 positions)
Notes
_Edwards Wood Products Inc./Woodlawn will expand with a new saw mill in McDowell County. The company plans to create 32 jobs and invest more than $1.96 million, including lease payments, during the next three years in Marion. The project was made possible in part by a $96,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website 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.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Natural and Economic Resources
_ Provides funding to attract businesses to locate operations in North Carolina and to increase the sale of North Carolina exports, including agricultural commodities - $875,000
_ Provides additional funding for the One NC Fund to enhance the competitive position of North Carolina when recruiting national and international business and industry projects. Three percent of these funds shall be used for small business expansion - $12.5 million.
_ Appropriates funding for Job Maintenance and Capital Development Fund - $6 million
_ Funds the One NC Small Business Fund program, which provides matching grants to businesses that qualify for federal incentives funds - $1.5 million.
_ Provides funding for the Main Street Solutions Program and the creation of one two-year time limited position to administer the program. This program provides grants to active Main Street Communities and designated micropolitans with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 people. Grants are to be used to support downtown economic development, historic preservation initiatives, and other public and private improvement projects that will support small businesses and job creation - $1.5 million.
_ Provides funds to help create additional export opportunities for NC companies in Asian and South American markets and to increase North Carolina investment interest from Asian and South American companies - $200,000.
_ Appropriates money for matching funds for US Department of Energy grants to support energy research and green jobs - $1 million.
_ Provides funding for marketing North Carolina as a tourist destination - $1 million.
_ Provides funding to support the seven Regional Economic Development Commissions - $5 million.
_ Provides funds for the Biofuels Center - $5 million.
_ Provides nonrecurring matching funds to the Research Triangle Institute for a US Department of Energy grant for energy research and green jobs - $500,000.
_ Provides funds for small business loans for those who have limited access to credit - $750,000.
_ Provides additional funding for the Rural Center's Building Reuse and Restoration Program to strengthen the capacity of rural communities to compete for and attract new and expanding businesses. Funding for small-scale regional community development projects is also included - $3.13 million.
_ Provides funding to the Rural Center to continue the Small Business Assistance Fund - $1 million.
_ Provides money for the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund - $2 million.
_ Provides funds to support international trade initiatives - $200,000.
_ Provides funds for Got to Be NC marketing. This program promotes North Carolina's farmers by helping to develop markets for North Carolina produce and products in grocery stores, restaurants, farmers markets, and other establishments - $250,000.
_ Reduces personnel and operating expenses for aircraft operations. This reduction eliminates four pilot positions and two mechanic positions. The sale of 10 eliminated aircraft is expected to result in over $1.5 million in one-time revenue - $1.5 million.
_ Eliminates the Marine Fisheries Division's three helicopters and associated operating expenses in accordance with the recommendations from the Program Evaluation Division's Study of State Aircraft. The aircraft will be sold, generating one-time revenue of $35,000 - $60,218.
_ Provides nonrecurring funding for the Indian Economic Development Initiative - $100,000.
Education
_Public Schools
_ Prevents layoffs of any instructional personnel in K-12 by adjusting the lottery receipts budgeted for Classroom Teachers. Also redirects $16.8 million from the Lottery Reserve - $121 million.
_ Reduces the annual appropriation for the North Carolina Window on Student Education (NC WISE), as this project is deployed and is in operations and maintenance phase. Also there is a nonrecurring reduction of the cash balance – ($12 million).
_ Provides on a nonrecurring basis for the purchase of replacement textbooks for emergency situations. The State Board of Education shall develop rules and guidelines for the allocation of these funds - $2.5 million.
_ Provides funding to extend the Student Diagnostic Pilot program for a year in the existing 40 pilot schools. - $10 million
_ Eliminates end-of-grade test for geometry – ($585,459)
_Community Colleges
_ Fully funds enrollment growth to help pay for the 15 percent increase (33,013 students) in enrollment - $81 million.
_ Increases curriculum tuition from $50 to $56.50 for residents and from $241.30 to $248.50 for nonresidents. Tuition for full-time resident students will increase by a maximum of $208 per year, from $1,600 to $1,808 - $30 million.
_ Authorizes bonds for the purchase of instructional equipment and technology at all 58 colleges. - $33 million.
_ Restores the reduction made to the Small Business Center allotment in 2009. This funding will be added to each college’s base allocation. With this restoration, the total funding available for this program will be $5,756,853 - $402,861.
_ Provides funds to assist Minority Male Mentoring programs at community colleges. These programs provide such activities as academic and personal counseling, drug intervention, and personal growth and development. These funds will be distributed through a competitive application process - $900,000.
_UNC System
_ Mandates a management flexibility reduction for the UNC operating budget with a priority on non-teaching related budget cuts. This reduction is in addition to the $100 million management flexibility reduction authorized for the FY 2010-11 base budget – ($70 million).
_ Repeals the reimbursement to UNC institutions for their loss of revenue due to their compliance with a law that grants resident tuition to nonresident student athletes – ($9.4 million).
_ Reduces the General Fund advertising budgets of UNC campuses by 24 percent – ($2.5 million).
_ Reduces the $44 million annual appropriation to UNC Hospitals due to the entity's $501.1 million in unrestricted reserves – ($8 million).
_ Increases UNC Need-Based Financial Aid - $8.2 million.
_ Continues the phase-in of funding for the additional faculty and operating needs of the new School of Dentistry at East Carolina University that will open with 50 students in the Fall of 2011. To date, $5.5 million has been appropriated for the school's operating budget - $6 million. (36 positions)
_ Completes the staffing and operational needs of the Energy Production Infrastructure Center (EPIC) opening at UNC-Charlotte in the Fall of 2011. These funds will enable the hiring of research faculty in electrical power, power system infrastructure, and power plant engineering. These funds are in addition to the $2 million appropriated in 2009 - $3 million (23 positions).
_ Continues the phase-in of faculty and staff for the NC A&T/UNC-G Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering located at the Gateway University Research Park in Greensboro. The program will conduct research in areas such as drug design and delivery, nanobioengineering, and genetic screening. There has been $3.9 million appropriated to date for the operating budget for this program - $1 million. (23 positions)
_ Provides funds to North Carolina A&T State University's College of Engineering for 1) enhancement of the research infrastructure, 2) faculty retention, 3) recruitment of high quality students, and 4) additional support staff - $1 million. (10 positions)
Notes
_Edwards Wood Products Inc./Woodlawn will expand with a new saw mill in McDowell County. The company plans to create 32 jobs and invest more than $1.96 million, including lease payments, during the next three years in Marion. The project was made possible in part by a $96,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website 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.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. June 24, 2010
I continued working with my fellow members of the House this week to pass legislation that I believe will improve the lives of all North Carolina citizens. The following information highlights just some of the legislation that was passed by the House this week.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Economy
_The sunset on some economic incentives would be extended under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1973). These economic incentives include a credit for constructing renewable fuel facilities, a credit for small business employee health benefits, and a credit for biodiesel producers, among others. If enacted, the legislation would also provide an enhanced incentive for jobs in high unemployment counties.
Energy/Environment
_The Energy Policy Council would be directed to identify, study, and recommend policies to increase energy efficiency and conservation under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1804). The legislation would also direct the Energy Policy Council to promote renewable energy resources and reduce carbon emissions.
_Legislation to address oil spill liability, response and preparedness passed the House this week (SB 836). Among other things, the legislation will: (1) clarify liability for damages caused by the discharge of natural gas, oil, or drilling waste into state coastal fishing waters or offshore waters; (2) provide for the review of information related to proposed offshore fossil fuel facilities to determine whether they are consistent with state guidelines for the coastal area; (3) direct the Coastal Resources Commission to review existing laws and regulations that pertain to offshore energy exploration and production in light of the recent British Petroleum (BP) accident; (4) direct the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety to immediately review and update the oil spill contingency plan to prepare the state in the event that oil discharged from the BP leak comes to the North Carolina coast; and (5) direct the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to review limitations on recovery by the state for damage to public resources and for the cost of oil or other hazardous substance cleanup.
_A bill that modifies the computer equipment recycling plan requirements and the associated fee on manufacturers passed the House this week (SB 887). The legislation also makes further substantive, clarifying, technical, and conforming changes to the laws governing the management of discarded computer equipment and discarded televisions, as recommended by the Environmental Review Commission. The legislation is intended to ensure that end-of-life computer equipment and televisions are responsibly recycled, to promote conservation, and to protect public health and the environment. If enacted, a comprehensive and convenient system for recycling and reuse of certain electronic equipment would be established and responsibility would be shared among manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and the state.
Miscellaneous
_Legislation that provides an additional, safe method for trapping coyotes and increases the availability of permits to remove coyotes that threaten livestock or poultry passed the House this week (HB 1824). The bill is based on the recommendations of the House Select Committee on Coyote Nuisance Removal.
_Legislation that would modernize the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control System passed the House this week (HB 1717). Among other things, the bill would prohibit local board members from accepting gifts from contractors doing business with their panel or stores and instruct them to avoid conflicts of interest that could financially benefit themselves or family members.
_The North Carolina Supreme Court would be asked to establish minimum standards of domestic violence education and training for district court judges under a bill passed the House this week (HB 1762). If enacted, the legislation would also encourage the University of North Carolina School of Government to provide domestic violence education and training for judges and magistrates. The legislation is based on the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Committee on Domestic Violence.
Notes
_Members of the House and Senate came together on Thursday for a joint legislative session to honor Coach Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils on their 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship (SJR 1456).
_On Thursday, members of the House honored the life and memory of former Representative George Milton Holmes with a House Joint Resolution (HJR 1901). George Holmes served for 16 terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1975 to 1976 and from 1979 to 2008. He died on December 31, 2009, at the age of 80, and is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Ireland Holmes; daughter and son-in-law and three grandchildren.
_Members of the House honored the twentieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Thursday with a House Joint Resolution (HJR 2076). This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark legislation to protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities and ensure that more than 54 million Americans receive the same basic freedoms – independence, equal access, freedom of choice and inclusion – afforded to every citizen in our country.
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website 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.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Economy
_The sunset on some economic incentives would be extended under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1973). These economic incentives include a credit for constructing renewable fuel facilities, a credit for small business employee health benefits, and a credit for biodiesel producers, among others. If enacted, the legislation would also provide an enhanced incentive for jobs in high unemployment counties.
Energy/Environment
_The Energy Policy Council would be directed to identify, study, and recommend policies to increase energy efficiency and conservation under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1804). The legislation would also direct the Energy Policy Council to promote renewable energy resources and reduce carbon emissions.
_Legislation to address oil spill liability, response and preparedness passed the House this week (SB 836). Among other things, the legislation will: (1) clarify liability for damages caused by the discharge of natural gas, oil, or drilling waste into state coastal fishing waters or offshore waters; (2) provide for the review of information related to proposed offshore fossil fuel facilities to determine whether they are consistent with state guidelines for the coastal area; (3) direct the Coastal Resources Commission to review existing laws and regulations that pertain to offshore energy exploration and production in light of the recent British Petroleum (BP) accident; (4) direct the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety to immediately review and update the oil spill contingency plan to prepare the state in the event that oil discharged from the BP leak comes to the North Carolina coast; and (5) direct the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to review limitations on recovery by the state for damage to public resources and for the cost of oil or other hazardous substance cleanup.
_A bill that modifies the computer equipment recycling plan requirements and the associated fee on manufacturers passed the House this week (SB 887). The legislation also makes further substantive, clarifying, technical, and conforming changes to the laws governing the management of discarded computer equipment and discarded televisions, as recommended by the Environmental Review Commission. The legislation is intended to ensure that end-of-life computer equipment and televisions are responsibly recycled, to promote conservation, and to protect public health and the environment. If enacted, a comprehensive and convenient system for recycling and reuse of certain electronic equipment would be established and responsibility would be shared among manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and the state.
Miscellaneous
_Legislation that provides an additional, safe method for trapping coyotes and increases the availability of permits to remove coyotes that threaten livestock or poultry passed the House this week (HB 1824). The bill is based on the recommendations of the House Select Committee on Coyote Nuisance Removal.
_Legislation that would modernize the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control System passed the House this week (HB 1717). Among other things, the bill would prohibit local board members from accepting gifts from contractors doing business with their panel or stores and instruct them to avoid conflicts of interest that could financially benefit themselves or family members.
_The North Carolina Supreme Court would be asked to establish minimum standards of domestic violence education and training for district court judges under a bill passed the House this week (HB 1762). If enacted, the legislation would also encourage the University of North Carolina School of Government to provide domestic violence education and training for judges and magistrates. The legislation is based on the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Committee on Domestic Violence.
Notes
_Members of the House and Senate came together on Thursday for a joint legislative session to honor Coach Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils on their 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship (SJR 1456).
_On Thursday, members of the House honored the life and memory of former Representative George Milton Holmes with a House Joint Resolution (HJR 1901). George Holmes served for 16 terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1975 to 1976 and from 1979 to 2008. He died on December 31, 2009, at the age of 80, and is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Ireland Holmes; daughter and son-in-law and three grandchildren.
_Members of the House honored the twentieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Thursday with a House Joint Resolution (HJR 2076). This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark legislation to protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities and ensure that more than 54 million Americans receive the same basic freedoms – independence, equal access, freedom of choice and inclusion – afforded to every citizen in our country.
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website 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.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. June 17, 2010
Work continued this week on our state budget as I and other negotiators met to work out our differences. We are moving closer to a final plan and I remain confident we will have our work completed soon.
Our efforts in other areas continue to remain strong as well. The following information highlights some of the legislation we have worked on this week.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Agriculture
_The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources would be directed to continue to work with the NC Farm Bureau Federation, other agricultural organizations, and farmers in the state to develop a plan to identify and report agricultural water infrastructure needs under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1748). If enacted the legislation would also direct the previously mentioned Departments to encourage voluntary practices that conserve and protect water resources and to design a cost-share program to assist farmers and agricultural landowners who implement best management practices to conserve and protect water resources related to agricultural use.
_Legislation that would establish a task force to develop a plan for the establishment and maintenance of a statewide water and wastewater infrastructure resource and funding database passed the House on Thursday (HB 1746).
_Local governments that provide public water service or community water systems would be required to address foreseeable future water needs when eighty percent of the water system’s available water supply has been allocated or when seasonal demand exceeds ninety percent under a bill that passed the House on Thursday (HB 1747). The legislation is based on the recommendations of the Legislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure.
Animals
_The North Carolina Zoological Park Funding and Organization Study Committee would be extended under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1720). If enacted, the legislation would also authorize the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue special registration plates for the North Carolina Zoological Society.
_Legislation that increases the penalty for killing an animal from a Class A1 Misdemeanor to a Class H Felony has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (SB 254). The legislation would also increase the penalty for the malicious abuse or torture of an animal from a Class I Felony to a Class H Felony. Susie's Law, as the legislation is commonly known, is named after a dog found burned and left to die in a Greensboro park last summer.
Miscellaneous
_ The State Board of Education would be directed to appoint a task force to create a Comprehensive Arts Education Development plan for the public schools of North Carolina under a bill that passed the House this week (SB 66). The Task Force would be instructed to specifically consider policies to implement arts education in the public schools.
_The Department of Transportation would be directed to accept and use municipal funding for pedestrian safety improvements on state roads within municipal limits under a bill that passed the House this week (SB 595).
_The Division of Health Service Regulation within the Department of Health and Human Services would be directed to coordinate a review of the education and training requirements for nurse aides under a bill that passed the House this week (SB 1191). The bill is based on the recommendations of the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging.
_The Statutes governing the use of 911 funds would be amended under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1691). If enacted, the legislation would give counties more flexibility to spend the money and a state panel would change how the money is distributed to more closely follow the population the 911 Center covers and their past expenses. Under the legislation, proceeds could now be used for statewide projects, and local centers would be required to meet operating standards to qualify for their share of funds.
_Wood-chipping machinery would be exempt from sales tax under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1842). The tax exemption would be applied to sales of wood chipping machinery that has been assigned a seventeen-digit vehicle identification number specified by the National Highway Transportation Safety Association. "Wood chipping machinery" is machinery used to convert raw forest products into wood chips.
Notes
_ Magna Composites LLC plans to expand three plants in the western part of North Carolina and create 327 new jobs over the next four years. The expansion – in which Magna plans to invest $10 million in facilities in Salisbury, Lenoir and Newton – was made possible in part by a state Job Development Investment Grant.
_On Thursday, the House approved a House Joint Resolution to provide for the confirmation of the appointment of former Rep. Lucy T. Allen to the Utilities Commission (HJR 1907).
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website 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.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Our efforts in other areas continue to remain strong as well. The following information highlights some of the legislation we have worked on this week.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Agriculture
_The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources would be directed to continue to work with the NC Farm Bureau Federation, other agricultural organizations, and farmers in the state to develop a plan to identify and report agricultural water infrastructure needs under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1748). If enacted the legislation would also direct the previously mentioned Departments to encourage voluntary practices that conserve and protect water resources and to design a cost-share program to assist farmers and agricultural landowners who implement best management practices to conserve and protect water resources related to agricultural use.
_Legislation that would establish a task force to develop a plan for the establishment and maintenance of a statewide water and wastewater infrastructure resource and funding database passed the House on Thursday (HB 1746).
_Local governments that provide public water service or community water systems would be required to address foreseeable future water needs when eighty percent of the water system’s available water supply has been allocated or when seasonal demand exceeds ninety percent under a bill that passed the House on Thursday (HB 1747). The legislation is based on the recommendations of the Legislative Study Commission on Water and Wastewater Infrastructure.
Animals
_The North Carolina Zoological Park Funding and Organization Study Committee would be extended under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1720). If enacted, the legislation would also authorize the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue special registration plates for the North Carolina Zoological Society.
_Legislation that increases the penalty for killing an animal from a Class A1 Misdemeanor to a Class H Felony has been ratified by the General Assembly and sent to Gov. Perdue to be signed into law (SB 254). The legislation would also increase the penalty for the malicious abuse or torture of an animal from a Class I Felony to a Class H Felony. Susie's Law, as the legislation is commonly known, is named after a dog found burned and left to die in a Greensboro park last summer.
Miscellaneous
_ The State Board of Education would be directed to appoint a task force to create a Comprehensive Arts Education Development plan for the public schools of North Carolina under a bill that passed the House this week (SB 66). The Task Force would be instructed to specifically consider policies to implement arts education in the public schools.
_The Department of Transportation would be directed to accept and use municipal funding for pedestrian safety improvements on state roads within municipal limits under a bill that passed the House this week (SB 595).
_The Division of Health Service Regulation within the Department of Health and Human Services would be directed to coordinate a review of the education and training requirements for nurse aides under a bill that passed the House this week (SB 1191). The bill is based on the recommendations of the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging.
_The Statutes governing the use of 911 funds would be amended under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1691). If enacted, the legislation would give counties more flexibility to spend the money and a state panel would change how the money is distributed to more closely follow the population the 911 Center covers and their past expenses. Under the legislation, proceeds could now be used for statewide projects, and local centers would be required to meet operating standards to qualify for their share of funds.
_Wood-chipping machinery would be exempt from sales tax under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1842). The tax exemption would be applied to sales of wood chipping machinery that has been assigned a seventeen-digit vehicle identification number specified by the National Highway Transportation Safety Association. "Wood chipping machinery" is machinery used to convert raw forest products into wood chips.
Notes
_ Magna Composites LLC plans to expand three plants in the western part of North Carolina and create 327 new jobs over the next four years. The expansion – in which Magna plans to invest $10 million in facilities in Salisbury, Lenoir and Newton – was made possible in part by a state Job Development Investment Grant.
_On Thursday, the House approved a House Joint Resolution to provide for the confirmation of the appointment of former Rep. Lucy T. Allen to the Utilities Commission (HJR 1907).
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website 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.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. June 10, 2010
Members of the House and Senate began meeting this week to negotiate a final budget proposal to present to Gov. Beverly Perdue. Our intention is to complete our work by the end of the month so that the adjustments we propose will be in place by the start of the next fiscal year.
We have also been working steadily on a number of other issues, and I have included information below about some of the legislation that is moving through the House. I hope you will find it useful.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Education
_School improvement teams may now be required to use the Education Value Added Assessment System (EVAAS) or a compatible system to collect diagnostic information on students that could help improve their achievement. The legislation (HB 1669) that passed the House this week is based on the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee.
_A bill that would restore a balance to the law on unemployment compensation for substitute teachers passed the House this week (HB 1676). No substitute teacher or other substitute school personnel will be considered unemployed for time they don’t work unless they were employed as a full-time substitute The bill is based on the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.
_Public schools would be required to use evidence-based fitness testing for students in grades K through 8 under a bill debated in the House Committee on Health on Tuesday (HB 1757). The bill is based on the recommendation of the Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity.
_Legislation that would give certain local boards of education additional flexibility with regard to instructional time lost due to inclement weather passed the House this week (SB 636).
_Legislation that would prohibit the use of corporal punishment on a student with a disability whose parent has stated in writing that corporal punishment shall not be administered on that student passed the House this week (HB 1682). If enacted, the bill would also require local boards of education to report concurrences of corporal punishment to the State Board of Education.
Environment
_The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in conjunction with others, would develop a statewide survey to assess the state’s water and wastewater infrastructure needs under a bill debated by the House Committee on Water Resources and Infrastructure on Tuesday (HB 1749). If enacted, the legislation would also direct the department to work with other groups to incorporate the information into the state water supply plan.
Miscellaneous
_The mill rehabilitation credit would be extended under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1829). If enacted, the legislation would also make changes to the credit for investing in renewable energy property and would establish a credit for constructing a renewable energy property facility. In addition, the bill would lower the sales tax compliance burden on small retailers, relieve the annual report compliance burden on small businesses, reduce the franchise tax burden on construction companies, and improve the tax and debt collection process. The bill is based on the recommendations of the Revenue Laws Study Committee.
_Legislation that would modernize the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control System was debated in the Committee on Alcoholic Beverage Control on Tuesday (HB 1717). Among other things, the bill would prohibit local board members from accepting gifts from contractors doing business with their panel or stores and instruct them to avoid conflicts of interest that could financially benefit themselves or family members.
_The Department of Health and Human Services would be authorized to register animal shelters under the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act for the limited purpose of obtaining, possessing, and using drugs for animal euthanasia under a bill debated by the House Committee on Judiciary I on Tuesday (HB 1741). If enacted, the bill would authorize certified euthanasia technicians to administer these drugs to euthanize dogs and cats on the premises of the animal shelter and give the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services explicit authorization to reject certification or to decertify a euthanasia technician for felony convictions.
_The sale of certain underutilized state aircraft would be required under a bill debated by the House Committee on State Government and State Personnel on Tuesday (HB 1823).
Notes
_On Wednesday, members of the House honored the life and memory of Robert “Bob” Hensley with a House Joint Resolution (HJR 1678). Bob Hensley represented Wake County in the state House from 1990 to 2002. During his tenure in the legislature, Bob Hensley was chairman of the Judiciary and State Personnel committees and vice-chair of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee. Hensley died on August 18, 2009 from complications of leukemia. He is survived by his wife, Pat Granger Hensley, and sons, Preston, Chris and Robert Hensley III.
_Clearwater Paper Corp. plans to invest $260 million and hire 250 workers over the next five years to build a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Shelby. The plant will make private-label tissue products for retail grocery chains throughout the Southeast and along the East Coast.
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website 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.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
We have also been working steadily on a number of other issues, and I have included information below about some of the legislation that is moving through the House. I hope you will find it useful.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Education
_School improvement teams may now be required to use the Education Value Added Assessment System (EVAAS) or a compatible system to collect diagnostic information on students that could help improve their achievement. The legislation (HB 1669) that passed the House this week is based on the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee.
_A bill that would restore a balance to the law on unemployment compensation for substitute teachers passed the House this week (HB 1676). No substitute teacher or other substitute school personnel will be considered unemployed for time they don’t work unless they were employed as a full-time substitute The bill is based on the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee.
_Public schools would be required to use evidence-based fitness testing for students in grades K through 8 under a bill debated in the House Committee on Health on Tuesday (HB 1757). The bill is based on the recommendation of the Legislative Task Force on Childhood Obesity.
_Legislation that would give certain local boards of education additional flexibility with regard to instructional time lost due to inclement weather passed the House this week (SB 636).
_Legislation that would prohibit the use of corporal punishment on a student with a disability whose parent has stated in writing that corporal punishment shall not be administered on that student passed the House this week (HB 1682). If enacted, the bill would also require local boards of education to report concurrences of corporal punishment to the State Board of Education.
Environment
_The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in conjunction with others, would develop a statewide survey to assess the state’s water and wastewater infrastructure needs under a bill debated by the House Committee on Water Resources and Infrastructure on Tuesday (HB 1749). If enacted, the legislation would also direct the department to work with other groups to incorporate the information into the state water supply plan.
Miscellaneous
_The mill rehabilitation credit would be extended under a bill that passed the House this week (HB 1829). If enacted, the legislation would also make changes to the credit for investing in renewable energy property and would establish a credit for constructing a renewable energy property facility. In addition, the bill would lower the sales tax compliance burden on small retailers, relieve the annual report compliance burden on small businesses, reduce the franchise tax burden on construction companies, and improve the tax and debt collection process. The bill is based on the recommendations of the Revenue Laws Study Committee.
_Legislation that would modernize the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control System was debated in the Committee on Alcoholic Beverage Control on Tuesday (HB 1717). Among other things, the bill would prohibit local board members from accepting gifts from contractors doing business with their panel or stores and instruct them to avoid conflicts of interest that could financially benefit themselves or family members.
_The Department of Health and Human Services would be authorized to register animal shelters under the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act for the limited purpose of obtaining, possessing, and using drugs for animal euthanasia under a bill debated by the House Committee on Judiciary I on Tuesday (HB 1741). If enacted, the bill would authorize certified euthanasia technicians to administer these drugs to euthanize dogs and cats on the premises of the animal shelter and give the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services explicit authorization to reject certification or to decertify a euthanasia technician for felony convictions.
_The sale of certain underutilized state aircraft would be required under a bill debated by the House Committee on State Government and State Personnel on Tuesday (HB 1823).
Notes
_On Wednesday, members of the House honored the life and memory of Robert “Bob” Hensley with a House Joint Resolution (HJR 1678). Bob Hensley represented Wake County in the state House from 1990 to 2002. During his tenure in the legislature, Bob Hensley was chairman of the Judiciary and State Personnel committees and vice-chair of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee. Hensley died on August 18, 2009 from complications of leukemia. He is survived by his wife, Pat Granger Hensley, and sons, Preston, Chris and Robert Hensley III.
_Clearwater Paper Corp. plans to invest $260 million and hire 250 workers over the next five years to build a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Shelby. The plant will make private-label tissue products for retail grocery chains throughout the Southeast and along the East Coast.
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website 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.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
From the Office of Representative Jimmy L. Love, Sr. June 3, 2010
With the state’s citizens and businesses suffering from the effects of the international financial crisis, House members acted decisively this week by approving our version of the budget. The plan we propose will create jobs, encourage economic activity, provide job training and higher education opportunities and protect core services, such as health care for the most vulnerable residents. We will also continue our push to conduct government business more transparently, to spend wisely and to eliminate waste and fraud. The following information highlights just some aspects of the budget that address these important issues. These items are still subject to change as debate in our chamber continues and the bill then moves on to conference committee. I hope you will find it useful.
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Jobs
_Tax credits for small businesses –
_ Tax Benefits for Investments in Small Business - $3.6 million.
_ Tax Benefits for Small Businesses That Provide Health Insurance – ($250/employee) - $7.2 million.
_ Tax Benefits for Putting People Back to Work ($1000/employee for businesses with 25 employees or less) - $7.2 million.
_ Provides additional funding for the One NC Fund to enhance the competitive position of North Carolina when recruiting national and international business and industry projects. Three percent of these funds shall be used for small business expansion - $10 million.
_ Funds the One NC Small Business Fund program, which provides matching grants to businesses that qualify for federal incentives funds - $1.5 million.
_ Appropriates funding for Job Maintenance and Capital Development Fund for employment in Tier 1 counties - $5.5 million.
_ Provides funding for the Main Street Solutions Program and the creation of one two-year time limited position to administer the program. This program provides grants to active Main Street Communities and designated micropolitans with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 people. Grants are to be used to support downtown economic development, historic preservation initiatives, and other public and private improvement projects that will support small businesses and job creation - $2 million.
_ Provides funds to help create additional export opportunities for NC companies in Asian and South American markets and to increase North Carolina investment interest from Asian and South American companies - $200,000.
_ Provides funding for marketing North Carolina as a tourist destination - $1 million.
_ Provides funding to support the seven Regional Economic Development Commissions - $5 million.
_ Provides funds for the Biofuels Center to develop North Carolina's biofuels industry - $5 million.
_ Provides nonrecurring matching funds for a US Department of Energy grant for energy research and green jobs - $500,000.
_ Provides nonrecurring funding for the Indian Economic Development Initiative - $100,000.
_ Provides funds for small business loans for those who have limited access to credit - $750,000.
_ Provides additional funding for the Biotechnology Center to develop the State's biotechnology industry - $4.27 million.
_ Provides additional funding for the Rural Center's Building Reuse and Restoration Program to strengthen the capacity of rural communities to compete for and attract new and expanding businesses. Funding for small-scale regional community development projects is also included - $3.13 million.
_ Provides funding to the Rural Center to continue the Small Business Assistance Fund - $1 million.
_ Provides funding for the Rural Center to provide assistance to farmers via grants up to $20,000 in three areas: 1. Improving energy efficiency on the farm; 2. Developing new markets; 3. Developing new products - $1 million.
_Provides funding for Got to Be NC Marketing to promote North Carolina agricultural products - $300,000
Education
_ Prevents layoffs of any instructional personnel in K-12 by adjusting the lottery receipts budgeted for Classroom Teachers - $126 million.
_ Restores proposed cuts for assistant principals - $4.5 million.
_ Provides on a nonrecurring basis for the purchase of replacement textbooks for emergency situations. The State Board of Education shall develop rules and guidelines for the allocation of these funds - $5 million.
_Funding for UNC Need-Based Financial Aid - $12 million
_Full funding for community college enrollment growth to be used to hire additional faculty and student support staff - $85 million
_ Eliminates 26 positions in order to find efficiencies and reduce redundancy in the Department of Public Instruction Technology Services area. The reduction includes departmental NC WISE positions, Offices of the Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Technology Business Services, and Project Management. NC WISE has been deployed, reducing the need for personnel – ($2.8 million).
Fiscal Responsibility
_ Abolishes 47 positions in the UNC system that have been vacant two years or longer – ($2.5 million).
_ Reduces funds available within the Division of Child Development in anticipation of saving money related to better management and tracking of child care subsidy expenditures. The new system will reduce expenditures associated with fraudulent and inaccurate payments – ($6 million).
_ Eliminates State appropriation for the purchase of vaccine for which health care providers and local health departments should be billing health insurers for reimbursement. North Carolina health insurers reimburse for the full series of standard immunizations recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Family Physicians, as well as those required by the North Carolina Immunization Program – ($15.9 million).
_ Provides savings in overall Medicaid expenditures through the expanded efforts of the Community Care Network of North Carolina (CCNC). DHHS contracts with CCNC to manage use of Medicaid services. Savings will be generated by expanding CCNC's care management programs in hospital discharge, mental health; palliative care, and pharmacy. The improved Informatics system will enhance data integration, analytics, and reporting, increasing performance and cost savings – ($26 million).
_ Generates savings by implementing various pharmacy program improvements, including collecting drug rebates on certain prescription drug claims; stopping reimbursement for lost prescriptions; requiring prior approval on rand drugs when 'medically necessary' is written on the prescription; creating a specialty drug network for dispensers of certain high cost drugs; requiring prior approval on all requests for the drug Synagis; and eliminating the ineffective FORM pharmacy program – ($5.6 million).
_ Generates savings by adding mental health drugs to the Preferred Drug List (PDL), which were previously not part of the PDL savings, and also requires prior authorization but only for offlabel prescribing of mental health drugs – ($10 million).
_ Eliminates Medicaid reimbursement of 'never events' in hospital inpatient settings. 'Never events' are certain types of medical issues that develop or are acquired while a person is in a hospital, but should have been prevented. The policy change brings Medicaid in line with Medicare reimbursement – ($5 million).
_ Generates savings through new Program Integrity initiatives, including Medicaid SWAT teams for on-site investigations, strengthening Medicaid fraud laws, innovative technology to detect fraud and abuse, and prepayment reviews for questionable providers – ($36.2 million).
_ Generates savings by doubling the Medicaid Investigative Unit staff at the AGO to expand the prosecution of Medicaid fraud and abuse. Additional staff will ensure increased prosecution and additional Medicaid funds recovered from fraudulent providers – ($1 million).
_ Consolidates the Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, the Customer Service Center, and the Small Business Ombudsman into one Division, the Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach. This consolidation eliminates four positions – ($230,000).
_ Reduces the appropriation for medical services for inmates based on capping fees paid as a percentage of billed charges. This reduction applies to inpatient and outpatient hospital services as well as professional services – ($20.5 million).
Accountability
_ Reduces personnel and operating expenses for aircraft operations. This reduction eliminates two pilot positions and one mechanic position. The sale of 10 eliminated aircraft is expected to result in over $1 million in one-time revenue – ($1.2 million).
_ Eliminates the Marine Fisheries Division's three helicopters and associated operating expenses in accordance with the recommendations from the Program Evaluation Division's Study of State Aircraft. The aircraft will be sold, generating one-time revenue of $35,000 – ($60,218).
_ Provides funds to expand the Medicaid Fraud Criminal Investigation Team. The expanded unit will consist of sworn investigators, attorneys, program assistants, financial investigators, and administrative support personnel. This investigative unit is responsible for obtaining convictions of community service providers that commit fraud, recovering restitution and civil penalties for the benefit of the Medicaid Program and the Civil Forfeiture Fund, and deterring fraud – $3 million.
_ Appropriates funding for four positions and operating expenses to ensure the State Ethics Commission has resources for design, implementation, training, and technological support for an online/electronic personal and financial disclosure system (Statement of Economic Interest, or SEI), and to meet the gift ban requirement - $547,600.
_ Provides funding for the Good Government package, including an attorney and software development - $450,000.
Notes
_Citco Fund Services (USA) Inc. plans to create 258 jobs in Mecklenburg County over the next five years. The company will invest $3 million to open its first North Carolina office thanks in part to a state Job Development Investment Grant.
_The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources is proud to announce three fun-filled days – 2nd Saturdays – in June, July & August, at all NC State Historic Sites and Museums. Over 100 free events have been planned across the state on June 12th, July 10th and August 14th. 2nd Saturdays will combine arts, music and heritage with food, agriculture and fun at all 37 museums and historic sites. For more information about events and locations, please visit: http://ncdcr.gov/2ndsaturdays-venues.asp
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website 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.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service.
Jobs
_Tax credits for small businesses –
_ Tax Benefits for Investments in Small Business - $3.6 million.
_ Tax Benefits for Small Businesses That Provide Health Insurance – ($250/employee) - $7.2 million.
_ Tax Benefits for Putting People Back to Work ($1000/employee for businesses with 25 employees or less) - $7.2 million.
_ Provides additional funding for the One NC Fund to enhance the competitive position of North Carolina when recruiting national and international business and industry projects. Three percent of these funds shall be used for small business expansion - $10 million.
_ Funds the One NC Small Business Fund program, which provides matching grants to businesses that qualify for federal incentives funds - $1.5 million.
_ Appropriates funding for Job Maintenance and Capital Development Fund for employment in Tier 1 counties - $5.5 million.
_ Provides funding for the Main Street Solutions Program and the creation of one two-year time limited position to administer the program. This program provides grants to active Main Street Communities and designated micropolitans with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 people. Grants are to be used to support downtown economic development, historic preservation initiatives, and other public and private improvement projects that will support small businesses and job creation - $2 million.
_ Provides funds to help create additional export opportunities for NC companies in Asian and South American markets and to increase North Carolina investment interest from Asian and South American companies - $200,000.
_ Provides funding for marketing North Carolina as a tourist destination - $1 million.
_ Provides funding to support the seven Regional Economic Development Commissions - $5 million.
_ Provides funds for the Biofuels Center to develop North Carolina's biofuels industry - $5 million.
_ Provides nonrecurring matching funds for a US Department of Energy grant for energy research and green jobs - $500,000.
_ Provides nonrecurring funding for the Indian Economic Development Initiative - $100,000.
_ Provides funds for small business loans for those who have limited access to credit - $750,000.
_ Provides additional funding for the Biotechnology Center to develop the State's biotechnology industry - $4.27 million.
_ Provides additional funding for the Rural Center's Building Reuse and Restoration Program to strengthen the capacity of rural communities to compete for and attract new and expanding businesses. Funding for small-scale regional community development projects is also included - $3.13 million.
_ Provides funding to the Rural Center to continue the Small Business Assistance Fund - $1 million.
_ Provides funding for the Rural Center to provide assistance to farmers via grants up to $20,000 in three areas: 1. Improving energy efficiency on the farm; 2. Developing new markets; 3. Developing new products - $1 million.
_Provides funding for Got to Be NC Marketing to promote North Carolina agricultural products - $300,000
Education
_ Prevents layoffs of any instructional personnel in K-12 by adjusting the lottery receipts budgeted for Classroom Teachers - $126 million.
_ Restores proposed cuts for assistant principals - $4.5 million.
_ Provides on a nonrecurring basis for the purchase of replacement textbooks for emergency situations. The State Board of Education shall develop rules and guidelines for the allocation of these funds - $5 million.
_Funding for UNC Need-Based Financial Aid - $12 million
_Full funding for community college enrollment growth to be used to hire additional faculty and student support staff - $85 million
_ Eliminates 26 positions in order to find efficiencies and reduce redundancy in the Department of Public Instruction Technology Services area. The reduction includes departmental NC WISE positions, Offices of the Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Technology Business Services, and Project Management. NC WISE has been deployed, reducing the need for personnel – ($2.8 million).
Fiscal Responsibility
_ Abolishes 47 positions in the UNC system that have been vacant two years or longer – ($2.5 million).
_ Reduces funds available within the Division of Child Development in anticipation of saving money related to better management and tracking of child care subsidy expenditures. The new system will reduce expenditures associated with fraudulent and inaccurate payments – ($6 million).
_ Eliminates State appropriation for the purchase of vaccine for which health care providers and local health departments should be billing health insurers for reimbursement. North Carolina health insurers reimburse for the full series of standard immunizations recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Family Physicians, as well as those required by the North Carolina Immunization Program – ($15.9 million).
_ Provides savings in overall Medicaid expenditures through the expanded efforts of the Community Care Network of North Carolina (CCNC). DHHS contracts with CCNC to manage use of Medicaid services. Savings will be generated by expanding CCNC's care management programs in hospital discharge, mental health; palliative care, and pharmacy. The improved Informatics system will enhance data integration, analytics, and reporting, increasing performance and cost savings – ($26 million).
_ Generates savings by implementing various pharmacy program improvements, including collecting drug rebates on certain prescription drug claims; stopping reimbursement for lost prescriptions; requiring prior approval on rand drugs when 'medically necessary' is written on the prescription; creating a specialty drug network for dispensers of certain high cost drugs; requiring prior approval on all requests for the drug Synagis; and eliminating the ineffective FORM pharmacy program – ($5.6 million).
_ Generates savings by adding mental health drugs to the Preferred Drug List (PDL), which were previously not part of the PDL savings, and also requires prior authorization but only for offlabel prescribing of mental health drugs – ($10 million).
_ Eliminates Medicaid reimbursement of 'never events' in hospital inpatient settings. 'Never events' are certain types of medical issues that develop or are acquired while a person is in a hospital, but should have been prevented. The policy change brings Medicaid in line with Medicare reimbursement – ($5 million).
_ Generates savings through new Program Integrity initiatives, including Medicaid SWAT teams for on-site investigations, strengthening Medicaid fraud laws, innovative technology to detect fraud and abuse, and prepayment reviews for questionable providers – ($36.2 million).
_ Generates savings by doubling the Medicaid Investigative Unit staff at the AGO to expand the prosecution of Medicaid fraud and abuse. Additional staff will ensure increased prosecution and additional Medicaid funds recovered from fraudulent providers – ($1 million).
_ Consolidates the Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, the Customer Service Center, and the Small Business Ombudsman into one Division, the Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach. This consolidation eliminates four positions – ($230,000).
_ Reduces the appropriation for medical services for inmates based on capping fees paid as a percentage of billed charges. This reduction applies to inpatient and outpatient hospital services as well as professional services – ($20.5 million).
Accountability
_ Reduces personnel and operating expenses for aircraft operations. This reduction eliminates two pilot positions and one mechanic position. The sale of 10 eliminated aircraft is expected to result in over $1 million in one-time revenue – ($1.2 million).
_ Eliminates the Marine Fisheries Division's three helicopters and associated operating expenses in accordance with the recommendations from the Program Evaluation Division's Study of State Aircraft. The aircraft will be sold, generating one-time revenue of $35,000 – ($60,218).
_ Provides funds to expand the Medicaid Fraud Criminal Investigation Team. The expanded unit will consist of sworn investigators, attorneys, program assistants, financial investigators, and administrative support personnel. This investigative unit is responsible for obtaining convictions of community service providers that commit fraud, recovering restitution and civil penalties for the benefit of the Medicaid Program and the Civil Forfeiture Fund, and deterring fraud – $3 million.
_ Appropriates funding for four positions and operating expenses to ensure the State Ethics Commission has resources for design, implementation, training, and technological support for an online/electronic personal and financial disclosure system (Statement of Economic Interest, or SEI), and to meet the gift ban requirement - $547,600.
_ Provides funding for the Good Government package, including an attorney and software development - $450,000.
Notes
_Citco Fund Services (USA) Inc. plans to create 258 jobs in Mecklenburg County over the next five years. The company will invest $3 million to open its first North Carolina office thanks in part to a state Job Development Investment Grant.
_The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources is proud to announce three fun-filled days – 2nd Saturdays – in June, July & August, at all NC State Historic Sites and Museums. Over 100 free events have been planned across the state on June 12th, July 10th and August 14th. 2nd Saturdays will combine arts, music and heritage with food, agriculture and fun at all 37 museums and historic sites. For more information about events and locations, please visit: http://ncdcr.gov/2ndsaturdays-venues.asp
Please remember that you can listen to each day’s session, committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website 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.
Prepared with the assistance of the Speaker’s Office of Communications
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