Capitol Commentary December 8, 2011
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The document summarizes the recent mini-session of the North Carolina state legislature from the perspective of Ruth Samuelson, a state representative. It discusses three small pieces of legislation that were approved to encourage job creation. It also mentions two issues that were not acted upon. Samuelson expresses that while the session did not result in many new laws, she believes the legislature was still productive. She thanks supporters and announces plans to run for re-election in 2012.
Capitol Commentary December 8, 2011
- 1. Capitol Commentary 419B Legislative Office Building Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 (919) 715-3009 ruths@ncleg.net December 8, 2011 Legislative Update Raleigh, NC InthishecticperiodbetweenThanksgivingandChristmas,Iknowalotofpeoplearetakingtime toreflectontheaccomplishmentsofthepastyear.Ourmostrecentmini-sessionofthestate legislatureremindsmethataswetakestockof2011,weshouldbemindfulofhowwedefine accomplishment. Thoughwedidn'tpassaslewofnewlaws,stateHousememberswereinfactquiteproductive duringthe2½dayswemetattheendofNovemberbothintermsoflegislationweapprovedand legislationweconsideredbutdidnotapprove. What we did:Inasinglebill,weapprovedatrioofsmallchangestostatelawthatcouldallhelp encourageabitofjobcreation! First,thebillloosenedthelimitsonthesizeofsmallbreweriesthatcouldsellbeerontheirown premiseswhichwillpavethewayfortwonewbreweriesthatwanttolocatehereANDallow existingbreweriestoexpandtheirbusiness.(Cheers!) Italsoclarifiedstatelawtoallowcommunitycollegestoofferanewcertificationtrainingfor publicsafetyemployees,therebymakingiteasierforthosewhowanttoseekoutpublicsafety sectorwork.(10-4tothat!) Andfinally,itclearedthewayforCherokeeCountyschools(inthefarwesterncornerofour state)toacceptfederalfundingthatwillresultinmoremoneyforteachersandlearning.(DoI hearan"amen"fromMurphy,NC?) What we didn't do: WedidnotactupontherecentpactthatGov.Perduerecentlysignedto allowlivecarddealersatCherokeeIndiancasino,asitwasn'tcompletedintimeforeitherthe HouseorSenatetotakeitup.It'spossiblewecouldbecalledbacktoRaleighforaspecial sessionontheissue,however. AndwhileweintheHousedidpassabilltocapthestate'sgastax--whichissettoincreasenext month--theSenatedidnotfeelasstronglyabouttheissueandadjournedwithouttakingitup. Theissuecouldcomeupagaininafuturesession,however. So,whilewedidn'temergewithapages-longlistofnewstatelawsthatwecouldpointtoas accomplishments,Ithinkweaccomplishedalotfor2½daysofwork.Andwearelooking forwardtodoingmoretoaidtheeconomicrecoverywhenwereconvenenextyear.
- 2. Likemostlegislators,Iamalsolookingforwardtoofficiallylaunchingmyre-electioncampaign whencandidatefilingopensinmid-February.Ihavealwaysconsideredyourattentiontoand supportofmyworkinRaleightobeagreatblessing.AsIissuewhatIintendtobemyfinal newsletterof2011,pleaseacceptmysincerestthankstoyouforthat! Ifyouwishtoreviewmypastemails,signuptovolunteer,makeacommentorafinancial contributiontomy2012campaign,pleasegotomywebsite,www.RuthSamuelson.com.And, asalways,youcanreachmebyphone,at(919)715-3009. Mayyourholidaysbeblessed! Ruth P.S.Onapersonalnote,KenandIarethrilledtoreportthatourdaughterJoywillbemarrying herfiancé,ChadBennett,thismonth.It'sthethirdweddingforusin18months,andwecouldn't behappierthatourfamilycontinuestoexpand!