July 2nd Newsletter
July 2nd, 2009 / Author: Ben Carlton| July 2, 2009 Newsletter |
Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net 919.715.3038 |
From the desk of Senator Debbie Clary…
I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend, keeping in mind that this freedom we enjoy was, and remains, by no means free! We must continue to fight for freedom and personal liberty at home and abroad.
As we reach the latter part of the legislative “long session,” the primary focus remains on the passage of the budget. This week, Senate members concurred on a Continuing Budget Resolution, which funds state spending at 85% of current levels until July 15th. Since budget conferees have agreed on a financing package that would result in $900 million in new taxes for the 2009-2010 fiscal year and $1.3 billion for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, we are confident that the budget will be completed by this July 15th date. The main “sticking-points” continue to be the tax package specifics. As stated in last week’s newsletter, the House budget plan included a quarter-cent sales tax increase, an income tax hike for high-income individuals, and an expansion of the sales tax base to include a few new services, while the Senate never adopted a revenue plan.
Although the recent focus has been on the budget, we have continued to work on important legislation in committees this week. Below are a few key bills that may be of interest to you:
Bills worth watching that were heard in Senate Committees this week
SB 32 – Employers Must Use Federal E-Verify Program
SB 460 – Puppy Mill Ban
HB 187 – Encourage Policies to Facilitate Graduation
HB 205 – Lottery Act Changes
HB 877 – Repeal UI Disqualification for Trailing Spouses
HB 1110 – Clarify/Alienation of Affection/Criminal Conversation
HB 1255 – Sex Offenders/Permanent No Contact Order
HB 1387 – Solar Collectors on Residential Properties
Bills worth watching that were heard in House Committees this week
SB 64 – Motorcycle Learner’s Permit
SB 307 – Regulate Ownership & Use of Certain Reptiles
SB 461 – North Carolina Racial Justice Act
SB 465 – Amend State Fair Housing Act
SB 1017 – Enhance Protections Against Identity Theft
HB 524 – Annexation – Omnibus Changes
HB 1268 – Eminent Domain
Last week was extremely challenging in the Senate as there were multiple controversial bills heard on the floor, important pieces of legislation debated in committee, and various budget conferences. However, this week has been slightly less eventful. One bill that had some significant opposition was Senate Bill 43 – Require Boating Safety Education. As evident by the short title, the bill will require an operator of a vessel with a motor of ten horsepower or greater to pass a boating safety course, with a few exceptions (please refer to hyperlinked text). The Senate concurred with the minor changes the House incorporated, and I supported the legislation. I am hopeful that this act will make our local waterways safer and reduce boating accidents. The bill passed with a vote of 39 in favor and 8 in opposition.
One bill that we have received enormous input on is the Puppy Mill Bill. The act will “insure that animals, as items of commerce, are provided humane care and treatment by regulating the transportation, commercial breeding, sale, purchase, housing, care, handling and treatment of such animals by persons or organizations engaged in transporting, breeding, buying, or selling them.” In committee this week, compromises were incorporated to exclude all hunting breeders. Being the main concern of my district, I feel I am now able to support the bill. It is scheduled to be heard on July 8th in the Senate.
This week, House Bill 852 – Defer Tax on Builders’ Inventor – was received from the House and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. After receiving a favorable report in committee, the bill was placed on the Senate Calendar for July 8th. This piece of legislation, that would allow homebuilders to defer taxes on improvements made to property, could result in counties across the state losing millions of property tax revenue that has already been budgeted for 2009-2010. On the upside, the bill could mean many contractors and developers being able to maintain the jobs they offer in our communities. This bill would allow homebuilders to defer paying the increased property taxes for up to three years (originally five years), following a submitted application. If the house is sold, if the homebuilder has received the deferral for three years, or if the house has been unoccupied for five years, the homebuilder would be liable to pay the deferred taxes. During the budget crunch, this bill is sure to be heavily debated in the Senate, and we will be watching its progress intently.
In other news, the Senate failed to concur with the changes the House made to Senate Bill 658 – Modify Supplemental Retirement Board/ Furloughs. As a result, a conference committee has been appointed to reconcile the differences. The bill contains a provision to hold county employees harmless for any loss of retirement benefits due to being furloughed. Ordinarily, an employee’s retirement benefits are based on the amount of earned income. Without the authority granted in this bill, an employee who is furloughed could see a reduction in retirement benefits due to the loss of income. This act authorizes a local government employer, at their option, to consider furloughed employees to still be in active service for purposes of computation of retirement benefits. Employers that opt to use this provision must pay both the employee and employer contributions to the retirement system. The provision applies to local government furloughs on or after Jan. 1st, 2009.
Planning Ahead….4th of July in the District
I will be attending several 4th of July events in the District. You are welcome to join us at any of these great events.
8:30 AM – Ellenboro Parade
10:00 AM – Rutherford Tea Party at Rutherford County Courthouse
12:00 PM – Greenhill Community Center Tribute to Veterans
The afternoon is booked with community and church BBQ’s with a return home for an evening family gathering. Thanks to all for your invites! I look forward to spending this great holiday with your families and neighbors as well as mine.
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Thanks as always for your support and for the honor and privilege of serving as your Senator!
