Press Release
May 3, 2004

A Letter from Rep. Debbie Clary

As the short session of the General Assembly approaches, there are many rumors of lottery votes, banning video poker,  a death penalty moratorium, tort reform, school starting after Labor Day and much more.  My advice would be not to believe everything you hear or read about the Legislature.  The Leadership in the House has instructed the Appropriation Chairs to get our work done and be ready to go home by July 1 st .   

I've attached a short newsletter to bring you up to date on the issues being discussed for the short session which will begin on May 10 th . Topping the agenda will be business and industry incentives.  While we all see business growth in North Carolina over the past year, we still have a long way to go.  In Gaston and Cleveland Counties , the growth of jobs has been steady but in small numbers.  One of the most important things I think we can do is focus on current industry as well as recruitment of new business.  That's why I'll be filing legislation to lower the corporate income tax this year. 

Higher taxes simply are not conducive to recruiting the industry we so badly need to bring jobs to the state. As a dear friend of mine says, “Any liberal can raise taxes; it takes someone with intelligence to know where the waste is and cut the spending.” I know where the waste is and I have the courage to make the cuts necessary.

Our priority this summer is to assist economic development, support education, maintain our healthcare system and improve our infrastructure in North Carolina . It is my hope that the Assembly will focus on these issues and not be sidetracked by debates that are destined to wait until the log session of 2005.

Thank you as always for the opportunity to represent you in the General Assembly. I am honored and will remain a strong conservative voice for Gaston and Cleveland Counties. I am

Sincerely yours,

Rep. Debbie Clary