Weekly Report Archive :: 2010
March 8, 2010
This week, I would like to take the time to talk to you a little bit about one of our most important interim commissions, the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations. The commission was created in 1975 to provide ongoing legislative examination and review between legislative sessions. Various general statutes and session laws also require state agencies and other entities to consult with the commission before taking action on a particular issue or to submit reports for its review.
The Commission is chaired by the leaders of both the House and the Senate: House Speaker Joe Hackney and Senator Pro-Tem Marc Basnight, respectively.
The Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations has met twice since the legislative session adjourned in August, once in November and once in January. The following information highlights just some of the important issues they have considered recently.
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 can be reached at culliet@ncleg.net or 828-295-3353. I am always glad to be of service.
Revenue Outlook and Economic Report
Revenues through January are $35 million short of forecast.
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The General Fund revenue for the first half of the fiscal year came in about $35 million below the $11 billion target for the period. So far, collections are running just below expectations. The weak economy continues to affect consumer spending, and in turn, the state’s economy-based taxes. Revenue forecast assumptions anticipated slow economic growth with a gradual improvement during the second-half of the fiscal year.
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March 1, 2010
Every year, the General Assembly examines ways that the state can improve the way it does business. Sometimes, that means creating an office with new responsibilities or realigning existing units of government. Other times we need to change laws to make it easier for people to do important work or to encourage progress.
This week, I thought I would share some of the highlights of the General Assembly’s work in improving state government. There are also a number of laws that I have shared with you before that strengthen ethics and transparency in all of government, but most of the changes discussed below concern mostly operational matters.
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 can be reached at culliet@ncleg.net or 828-295-3353. I am always glad to be of service.
Emergency Management
The state can now enter into mutual aid agreements with local governments. Previously, the law authorized only the governor to enter into mutual aid agreements with the federal government and with other states. The new law (S.L. 2009-194 – HB 379) allows the governor to work with local government, also, if the local governing board approves.
A new state law statutorily establishes the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management. Previously the department had authority primarily granted through executive orders issued by the governor (S.L. 2009-397 – HB 378). The legislation was recommended by the Joint Select Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management Recovery.
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February 22, 2010
Economic development in the rural parts of our state will play in important role in reviving our state’s economy. In the coming session, I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to come up with ways to improve rural economic development in the district and across the state.
The following information highlights just some of the important strides we made last year in this area.
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 at culliet@ncleg.net or 828-295-3353. I am always glad to be of service.
Budget
The main funding for rural economic development goes to the non-profit Rural Economic Development Center (Rural Center). The center now has a total state appropriation of $24.4 million. Of that amount, $1.54 million was transferred to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to help pay for water and sewer improvements. The center received $500,000 in new money to help small businesses.
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February 15, 2010
North Carolina’s small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy. Our state and our people benefit most when these companies prosper and grow. Those of us in the General Assembly are clearly aware of this and we focus much of our effort on making North Carolina a great place to do business. I expect us to focus on our small businesses during the short session and I have a Resource for Small Businesses list that’ll I’ll be happy to email to you if you’ll send me your email address.
These efforts and our state’s business climate have been recognized throughout the nation and the world. A recent study commissioned by the Council on State Taxation and conducted by Ernst & Young found that North Carolina places a lower state and local tax burden on businesses than any other state. In addition, North Carolina is ranked seventh in benefits received by businesses relative to their tax burden. Our reputation as a business-friendly state assists in our efforts to strengthen our economy and improve our unemployment, as recent important job announcements throughout the state show.
The following information highlights just some of the ways state government works to preserve the well-being of North Carolina’s small businesses.
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 can be reached at culliet@ncleg.net or 828-295-3353. I am always glad to be of service.
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February 8, 2010
The work of the General Assembly is wide ranging and has great influence over spending priorities, economic policies, education, health care and other critical areas.
The Legislature is also responsible for working with law enforcement and judicial officials to write the state's criminal laws. This past session, we approved new laws making our drug laws stronger, toughening sex offender laws and cracking down on illegal weapons. These laws help make our communities safer and help protect our families. A few of them are highlighted in the information below.
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 can be reached at culliet@ncleg.net or 828-295-3353. I am always glad to be of service.
Drugs
The new Paraphernalia Control Act regulates the sale of glass tubes and splitters, which are known to be used as drug paraphernalia. The tubes can be used to smoke illegal drugs, while the splitters can slice the wrappings off of a cigar. The wrappings can then be filled with illegal drugs and smoked. The new law (HB 722 - S.L. 2009-205) requires that the items be placed behind the sales counter, that clerks require identification from those people purchasing such items and that the buyers keep a record of such sales for at least two years.
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February 1, 2010
Energy efficiency and moving toward a more sustainable, greener economy is a top priority for me and many of my colleagues in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Making an effort to keep our state moving in a green direction is particularly important in this changing economy. By embracing renewable energy resources and adapting to more energy efficient standards, our state and our economy will be at a great advantage now and in the future.
In the face of financial difficulties, federal stimulus funds played a significant role in advancing North Carolina’s green economy. The following information highlights just some of the ways federal stimulus dollars have been spent on energy projects across the state.
If you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me. You can reach me at culliet@ncleg.net or 828-295-3353. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant is currently administered through the U.S. Department of Energy by the State Energy Office within the Department of Commerce. The controlling federal legislation for the program is the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007. The purpose of the program is to assist cities, counties, states, territories, and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs. The Recovery Act marks the first time that the program has been funded by the federal government. Under the Recovery Act, $3.2 billion was allocated to the program. North Carolina’s share is $58,050,300. Thirty-three designated cities, counties and the Cherokee Indians are receiving a total of $37.4 million directly, based on a population formula. The remaining $29.9 million is being distributed to non-designated communities, public school systems and community colleges based on a plan developed by the N.C. Energy Office and the state Office of Economic Recovery and Investment and approved by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Here is a list of Federal Recovery Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds distributed directly to designated North Carolina cities, counties and tribes:
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January 25, 2010
We came into this session knowing we would face a financial challenge; however, many of us were determined not to let it stop us from moving this state forward, particularly in the area of education. Education is the key North Carolina’s economic prosperity in the long term, and it is our responsibility to make a world class education available to any and all North Carolinians who have a desire to learn. Our state’s strong commitment to education stems from our history as a leader and reformer in the field.
In the face of financial difficulties, federal stimulus funds played a significant role in preserving education across the state. The following information highlights just some of the ways federal stimulus dollars have been spent to improve education in North Carolina.
If you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached at culliet@ncleg.net or 828-295-3353. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
State Fiscal Stabilization Funds (SFSF)
The State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) program is a new one-time appropriation of $53.6 billion (nationally) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). These funds are distributed directly to states to:
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Help stabilize state and local government budgets in order to minimize and avoid reductions in education and other essential public services.
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Help ensure that local educational agencies (LEAs) and public institutions of higher education (IHEs) have the resources to avert cuts and retain educational personnel and staff.
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Help support the modernization, renovation, and repair of school and college facilities.
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Help advance early learning through post-secondary education reforms to benefit students and families.
Each state is required to use 81.8 percent of its SFSF towards primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. States are required to restore funding for the next three state fiscal years, to the greater of state fiscal year 2008 or 2009 levels. North Carolina was required to restore funding to FY 2008-09 levels. The remainder of the SFSF, 18.2 percent, is directed toward other public services including public safety.
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January 19, 2010
As our state grows, it has become increasingly important for us to improve our transportation system. Crowded roads and long delays detract from our quality of life and decrease our sense of safety. Transportation projects help decrease those delays, and right now they also bring much needed jobs to North Carolina. Transportation needs continue to be a major focus of mine. There are still major transportation issues in both Watauga and Ashe. I’m grateful to our DOT colleagues for their help and assistance.
There are a number of transportation projects already underway that are funded by federal stimulus dollars (including the King Street work in Boone). These projects will aid our state’s economy and go a long way toward the improvement of our bridges and highways. The following information is meant to shed some light on how federal stimulus dollars are being spent on transportation projects across the state.
If you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached at culliet@ncleg.net or 828-295-3353. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Overview
To date, the State of North Carolina has received approximately $816 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds for transportation and transit-related projects. In total, the NC Department of Transportation has identified 474 projects across the state that will receive Recovery Act funding.
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January 11, 2010
Animals play an undeniable part in all of our lives. Whether they are pets, farm animals or service animals, we interact with them in a meaningful way every day. At our house, it’s our Boston Terrier, Banastre. This year the General Assembly considered a number of important measures concerning how we treat the animals around us. Some of these laws are intended to protect public health or our food supply while others are meant to provide greater protection for the animals. All of them are critically important to making the state a better, safer place. I have provided some information about many of these laws in this week’s newsletter. I hope it is of interest to you.
In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns that I can help you resolve, I hope that you will contact me. I can be reached at culliet@ncleg.net or 828-295-3353. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Public Safety
The state veterinarian can now implement emergency measures when there is imminent threat from a contagious animal disease that could spread rapidly and have serious consequences. (HB 1083 – S.L. 2009-103). Authorized measures include restrictions on the transportation of potentially infected animals, agricultural products, and other commodities into and out of potentially infected areas, restrictions on access to such areas, quarantines, emergency disinfectant, destruction of infected animals, and other control measures at portals of entry to the State. The state veterinarian was temporarily granted this authority in 2003, but the legislation was set to expire this year.
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January 4, 2010
This is the first report in 2010. I hope you had a good New Years Day with collards and black eyed peas, pork and cornbread.
Throughout the 2009 legislative session, I worked with my colleagues in the General Assembly on initiatives that will improve life in our state. Some of these new laws were effective Jan. 1, and I want to share some information about them with you. These laws cover everything from smoking in bars and restaurants to protecting the environment and conserving energy. They are intended to make you and your families more secure, to protect our children and to make sure those who do violate our laws are properly punished.
You can access the full list by visiting the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.net and opening the document 2009 Legislation Effective Dates.
In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns that I can help you resolve, I hope that you will contact me. I’m pleased to do what I can to help any of my constituents. I can be reached at culliet@ncleg.net or 828-295-3353. Thank you as always for your interest in the work of the General Assembly and state government and thank you for your support.
Health
A new law that will result in smaller rate increases than originally projected for members of the State Health Plan, while also increasing the plan’s transparency, will go into effect on January 1, 2010 (SB 287 – S .L. 2009-16). The new law reduces the premium rate increase for the next two years from 10 percent to 8.9 percent. It also adds coverage for treatment by chiropractors, mental health and substance abuse professionals and speech therapists and includes provisions to encourage plan members to stop smoking and to lose weight. The law retains language added in the House that calls for an independent audit of the plan; more detailed billing information, and increased disclosure of transactional data and administrative costs. The law also calls for monthly financial reports and establishes a 15-member Blue Ribbon Task Force that will examine the plan’s rate structure and governance, among other things.
The state law that prohibits smoking in bars and restaurants went into effect on January 2, 2010 (HB 2 – S.L. 2009-27). The intent of the legislation is to protect North Carolinians from the harm of secondhand smoke.
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