Policy Area

Issue

Republican Position

Democrat Position

Family

Marriage

“We support federal and state constitutional amendments to limit marriage to the union of one man and one woman” (Article I)

“We support marriage equality and domestic partnerships. (pg. 8)”

Services and Rights for Families

“We support policies and laws that encourage the stability of marriage. We oppose taxpayer-funded initiatives that support cohabitation.” (Article I)

“We want stiff penalties enforced for abducting, exploiting, or abusing children, including unborn children. We abhor domestic violence.” (Article IV)

“We support adoption through significant tax credits.”(IV)

We support “measures to reduce teenage pregnancy, infant mortality, and domestic violence; to create and sustain a safe, nurturing and stable child care system accessible to more families; to encourage adoption and foster child programs; to improve youth advocacy in our courts and in our communities; and to promote responsible parenting and family preservation programs.” (pg. 1)

Economy

Regulation

“To protect [the inherent right to property], government ought to provide an environment for individual initiative and enterprise unencumbered by excessive regulation and taxation.” (Article II)

We support “a fair marketplace that is free from price fixing, unfair restraints on trade, deception, fraud, and other abuses that undermine the free enterprise system.” (pg. 2)

“Democrats believe in fair business practices with full and honest public disclosure for stockholders, enforced by government regulations.” (pg. 2)

“We support vigorous enforcement of existing anti-discrimination laws to ensure that all persons have access to good jobs at fair wages and benefits.” (pg. 9)

Taxation

“The government should tax only to raise money for its essential functions” (Article II)

“We support zero-based budgeting and a taxpayer’s bill of rights.” (Article II)

“We oppose taxation of capital gains as ordinary income.” (Article II)

“We support transition to a simpler, fairer, more efficient tax system that reduces the overall tax burden.” (Article II)

“We believe in a balanced approach to offering incentives to grow local business and to attract new business. We believe that economic incentives should result in a real net benefit for North Carolina citizens.” (pg. 3)

“We believe that small and local business development in North Carolina is the best use of tax breaks and other support programs.” (pg. 3)

“The use of a progressive tax system is the only way to fairly pay for the government services needed to build a solid foundation for our future economic security…any future changes in the tax laws should increase the progressivity of our tax system.” (pg. 9)

Government Assistance

“We oppose bailouts and corporate welfare” (Article II)

We support “encouraging assistance for workers, job creation, new investment in hard hit areas, and leveling the trade playing field for North Carolina industries.” (pg. 3)

“We will adopt measures to preserve and protect existing public and private pension plans…We will automatically enroll every worker in a workplace pension plan that can be carried from job to job and we will match savings for working families who need the help.” (pg. 3)

“We support a living minimum wage” (pg. 9)

Individual Liberty

“We support the right of religious institutions to refuse to provide contraceptive or abortion services consistent with their religious tenets and oppose government mandates to require such coverage.” (Article III)

“Government should treat all citizens impartially.” (Article III)

“Private property should not be taken by eminent domain except for a public use, and upon prompt payment of just compensation.” (Article III)

“Public schools should not discriminate for or against any religion or deny equal access to school facilities.” (Article III)

“We support the ownership, sale, purchase, and “lawful carry” of firearms by law-abiding citizens.” (Article III)

“We demand civil rights for all people, races, genders, age groups and sexual orientations.” (pg. 2)

“We continue to support responsible measures to limit the amount of information gathered by governmental agencies about individuals and to prohibit improper use of such information.” (pg. 8)

Health

“We support a human life amendment. We oppose efforts to mandate the provision of abortion or to fund with taxpayer dollars organizations that provide or promote abortion services.” (Article IV)

“We urge enactment of laws requiring written parental consent for abortion and contraceptives, to regulate abortion facilities as ambulatory surgical centers and to require abortion doctors to have admitting privileges in hospitals near their abortion clinics.” (Article IV)

“We oppose human cloning and the destruction of human embryos. We strongly support adult stem cell research.”(Article IV)

“We oppose euthanasia.” Article (IV)

“We oppose infanticide. We urge the enactment of laws in this State to prohibit partial birth abortion and to require medical care for babies who survive abortions.” (Article IV)

“We support health care reform that provides universal and portable coverage, expanded preventive health care, and public effort to provide the prenatal care needed to reduce infant mortality.” (pg. 7)

“We applaud efforts to provide State-supported health care to the poor and to uninsured and underinsured persons.” (pg. 7)

“We encourage an increased level of support for stem cell research.” (pg. 7)

We “authored and continued to support the Patients’ Bill of Rights.” (pg. 7)

State Government

“Legislative session limits must be accompanied by measures to ensure that policies are made by legislators and not be unelected employees.” (Article V)

“We oppose gambling, including the state lottery.” (Article V)

“Each level of government should fund the programs it requires of other levels of government.” (Article V)

“We oppose “slush funds” as rewards from political support. Raiding of dedicated funds should not be allowed except in an emergency as determined by law.” (Article V)

“We support the issuance of a driver’s license or state identification card only to those who are lawful residents.” (Article V)

We believe government employees “deserve fair wages and benefits comparable to those in the private sector.” (pg. 5)

“We support annual pay raises within the limits of fiscal responsibility.” (pg. 5)

“We further support efforts to increase the numbers of qualified women and minorities at all levels of government where they are under-represented.” (pg. 5)

Elections

Voter Identification and Registration

“We support statewide procedures for updating voter rolls to insure accuracy.” (Article VI)

“We support photo identification to deter voter fraud.” (Article VI)

“We will continue to advocate measures to make voter registration and voting easier and more accessible.” (pg. 6)

“We oppose laws that require identification in order to vote or to register to vote.” (pg. 6)

Election Procedure

“We oppose the appointment of state judges to full terms.” (Article VI)

“Elected officials should not appear in “public service ads” during their election.” (Article VI)

“The party affiliation of judicial candidates should appear on the ballot” (Article VI)

“We are committed to passing the Count Every Vote Act.” (pg. 6)

“We will fully fund the Help America Vote Act and work to fulfill the promise of election reform.” (pg. 6)

Campaign Finance

“We oppose funding election campaign with public or foreign funds.” (Article VI)

“We support tough campaign finance laws…measures to reduce the cost of campaigning for public office…We strongly support the effort to amend the United States Constitution to reclaim our democracy and clearly state that individual citizens, not corporations, are entitled to constitutional rights.” (pg. 6)

Education

General Policy

“We oppose caps on charter schools.” (Article VII)

“We support the right of students to pray in school and at public occasions without censorship.” (Article VII)

“We encourage expanding vocational curricula.” (Article VII)

“Education reform requires local control of curriculum, budget, textbooks, and personnel” (Article VII)

“Teachers should be paid and promoted based on the quality of their work, not on longevity.” (Article VII)

“Reform requires nationally normed testing, cutting administrative waste, and facilitating alternate teacher certification.” (Article VII)

“Democrats stand against the deep and unnecessary cuts that have been made by the GOP-controlled legislature during the 2011-2012 legislative session.” (pg. 4)

“We strongly support the expansion of apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs to help our young people and displaced workers to develop marketable job skills.” (pg. 8)

“We support continued decentralization of decision making in our public school system.” (pg. 4)

“We encourage and support efforts of school systems to promote and maintain diversity.” (pg. 4)

“We support the principles behind Head Start, Smart Start and More at Four programs.” (pg. 4)

“We oppose any under funded or unfunded federal mandates, such as ‘No Child Left Behind’” (pg. 4)

Educational Tax Credits or Vouchers

“Choice and competition insure quality education. We support tax credits for parents who educate their children in private or home schools.” (Article VII)

“We oppose the implementation of private and religious school voucher programs.” (pg. 4)

Sex Education

“We oppose sex education in public schools without parental consent.” (Article VII)

“Public schools should not be used to teach children about homosexual behavior” (Article VII)

“We oppose school-based health clinics that provide referrals, counseling, and related service for abortion and contraception.” (Article VII)

“We support medically and factually-comprehensive, age-appropriate educational programs in our schools and public health agencies encouraging abstinence and providing information about safe sexual practices.” (pg. 4)

Justice

“Premeditated and deliberate murder calls for the death penalty, which is directly proportional to the wrong perpetrated against the victim.” (Article VIII)

“We condemn gratuitous violence and pornography in literature and music. We support mandatory labeling of these products.” (Article VIII)

“Those who produce [child pornography]—and those who traffic in it—must be punished to the maximum extent of the law.” (Article VIII)

“Prisons should focus on security, education, and labor, inmates should be required to work.” (Article VIII)

“We support tort reform, including a cap on award for pain and suffering, and structure payments of awards for lost income.” (Article VIII)

“We support mandatory educational and treatment programs for illegal drug users and alcohol abusers.” (Article VIII)

“We condemn and oppose all efforts to repeal the 2009 North Carolina Racial Justice Act.” (pg. 2)

“We support continued efforts to develop appropriate alternative methods of dispute resolution.” (pg. 2)

“We enthusiastically support family, neighborhood, and school-based programs aimed at turning away young people from the use of illegal drugs and alcohol…We also call for strong state support of treatment facilities, halfway houses, and drug courts for drug and alcohol abusers.” (pg. 2)

“We oppose arbitrary caps on jury awards for victims of negligence.” (pg. 2)

“We support just compensation and adequate care for the victims of occupational diseases and work-related injuries.” (pg. 8)

The Environment

“If regulation is needed to protect the environment, government should only proceed with evidence that the benefits warrant the cost.” (Article IX)

“We support energy security and energy independence.” (Article IX)

“We support efforts to develop oil and natural gas through safe, clean hydraulic fracturing.” (Article IX)

“We support revenue sharing with those states directly affected by offshore exploration and development in federal waters.” (Article IX)

“We promote the research and implementation of alternative, sustainable, and renewable energy solutions.” (pg. 5)

“We support tax incentives and other benefits that encourage use of alternative means to disposal of chemical and waste by-products into the atmosphere, soil, and waters.” (pg. 5)

“We oppose any offshore exploration for oil or natural gas adjacent to this state.” (pg. 5)

“We believe we can and must take steps to reduce global warming.” (pg. 5)

“We support mandatory local and regional recycling of paper, glass, metals, plastic, and other reusable materials in order to reduce the need for landfills which are costly to build and operate.” (pg. 5)

We support “providing for the basic welfare of all animals, reducing cat and dog overpopulation and optimizing animal control and sheltering.” (pg. 6

National Policy

“Border security is essential to national security…the federal government should enforce its immigration laws.” (Article X)

“Rules against sexual misbehavior in the military should be retained.” (Article X)

“English should be the official language of the United States.” (Article X)

“We should withdraw from any treaty that compromises our sovereignty or undermines national defense.” (Article X)

“We support a Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget.” (Article X)

“Social Security should be placed on a sound financial basis with a budget separate from the general fund…We support the expansion of private savings accounts.” (Article X)

“We urge Congress to repeal the federally mandated the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.” (Article X)

“We support medical savings accounts which combine personal responsibility with access to affordable healthcare.” (Article X)

“Legal barriers to competition among insurers and health care should be eliminated.” (Article X)

“We oppose encroachments upon all rights which the Constitution has reserved to the states or to the people.” (Article X)

“We support the right to work without being forced to join a union.” (Article X)

“We support reinstitution of the “Mexico City Policy” which would prohibit federal funds from being given to any organization that promotes or provides abortions.” (Article X)

“Our foreign policy should encourage freedom from slavery for all.” (Article X)

“The federal government must balance the budget, pay the national debt to generate economic growth, and make prosperity achievable for all.” (pg. 3)

“We believe that [Social Security] is indispensable…We will not privatize it.” “We believe Social Security is a contract that must not be compromised. We oppose privatization and the diversion of Social Security funds for other purposes.” (pg. 3 and pg. 10)

“We will eliminate all federal income taxes for seniors making less than $50,000 per year.” (pg. 3)

We support “participation in the International Criminal Court and the Kyoto Accords, and the full funding of our financial contributions to the United Nations, especially for humanitarian endeavors.” (pg. 7)

“We strongly oppose privatization of Medicare.” (pg. 9)

‘We believe that military force should be used in combat zones only as a last resort.” (pg. 10)

HB 2: Protect Health Care Freedom

(Stam, Barnhart, Hollo, Murry)

• House passed by a vote of 69 to 49: 2/22/2011
• Senate passed by a vote of 30 to 18: 2/16/2011
• Vetoed by the Governor: 3/5/2011
• House failed to override veto by a vote of 68 to 51: 3/9/11
  • Amicus brief from NC Republican Leaders submitted to the Court of Appeals

HB 3: Exclusionary Rule/Good Faith Exception (Stam, Ingle, Faircloth)

SL 2011-6: 3/21/11

HB 8: Eminent Domain (Stam, Lewis, McGrady)

• House passed by a vote of 98 to 18: 4/28/2011
• Referred to Senate Judiciary I: 5/2/11
• Not considered by the Senate

HB 27: Forensic Sciences Act

(Glazier, Stam, Michaux, Jackson)

SL 2011-19: 3/31/11

HB 40: Honor John Weatherly

(Hastings, T. Moore, Hager, Stam)

Adopted: 2/21/11

HB 41: Tax Fairness in Education

(Stam, Hager, Collins, Brawley)

Referred to Education: 2/7/11

HB 112: Realign Wake Superior Court Districts (Dollar, Stam, Avila, Murry)

SL 2011-203: 6/23/11

HB 139: Limit Contributions by State Vendors (Stam, Ross, Glazier, McGee)

• House passed by a vote of 114 to 2: 5/24/11
• Referred to Senate Judiciary I: 5/25/11
• Not considered by the Senate

HB 226: Prohibit Sweepstakes Devices

(Rapp, Sanderson, Glazier, Stam)

Referred to Commerce: 3/3/2011

HB 312: Register of Deeds

(Haire, Stevens, Stam, Spear)

SL 2011-246: 6/23/2011

HB 325: Judicial Appointment/Voter Confirmation (Rhyne, M. Alexander, Stam, Glazier)

Referred to Rules: 3/14/2011

HB 344: Tax Credits for Children with Disabilities

(Stam, Randleman, Jordan, Jones)

SL 2011-395:  7/1/2011

HB 358: Apex/Cary Annexation Into Chatham Restricted (Hackney, Stam)

SL 2011-151:  6/16/2011

HB 472: City/County Electronic Notice

(McGrady, Stam, Owens, Jackson)

Referred to Rules: 5/24/2011

HB 489: Mechanics Lien and Bond Law Changes (Pridgen, Stam, Martin)

• House passed by a vote of 116 to 0: 5/31/2011
• Referred to Senate Judiciary I: 6/1/2011
  • Became Section 2.6 of  HB 773 – Studies Act of 2011
  • Also see Mechanics Liens/Payment Bond Reforms (SL 2012-175) and Mech. Liens/PVT Lien Agent (SL 2012-158)

HB 494: Continuous Alcohol Monitoring Law Changes (M. Alexander, Guice, T. Moore, Stam)

SL 2012-146: 7/12/2012

• Portions of this bill were also implemented as part of HB 49 –SL 2011-191

HB 502: Preserve Biological Evidence/Custodial Agency

(Glazier, Stam, Jackson, Michaux)

Judiciary B: 3/30/2011

• Became Sections 1 & 2 of HB 778 – Amend Innocence Commission Laws (SL 2012-7)

HB 596: Transfer Surplus Prop. to Retirement System (Hastings, Stam, Crawford)

SL 2011-373: 6/27/2011

HB 609: Promote Water Supply Development (McGrady, Stam, Gillespie, Carney)

SL 2011-374: 6/27/2011

HB 615: No Discriminatory Purpose in Death Penalty (Burr, Stevens, Ingle, Stam)

Judiciary B: 4/5/2011

• Passed the House as SB 9 – No Discriminatory Purpose in Death Penalty.  Passed the Senate and vetoed by the Governor.
• A version became law as SB 416: Amend Death Penalty Procedures (SL 2012-136), after the House overrode the Governor’s veto by a vote of 72 to 48.

HB 638: Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act (Jordan, Stam)

• House passed by a vote of 112 to 1: 5/19/2011
• Referred to Senate Judiciary I: 5/23/11
• Not considered by the Senate

HB 658: Change Early Voting Period

(Jones, Stam, Collins, Sager)

• House passed by a vote of 60 to 58: 5/18/2011
• Referred to Senate Judiciary I: 5/23/2011
• Not considered by the Senate

HB 713: Public Contracts/Multiple Awards

(Stam, Lewis, Murry)

SL 2011-360: 6/27/2011

HB 741: Law Enforcement/Emergency Vehicle Length (Barnhart, Stam)

SL 2012-33: 6/20/2012

• Original bill, “Amend Lab Accreditation Effective Date,” became law as Section 9 of SL 2011-307

HB 779: Electronic Recording/Custodial Interrogations (Glazier, Stam, Faircloth, Hackney)

Senate Judiciary II: 5/2/2011

• Became law as Section 2 of SL 2011-329

HB 787: NC Water Efficiency Act

(McGrady, Samuelson, Stam, Harrison)

Sen. Agriculture/ENR: 6/8/2011

• Became law as Sections 3.1-3.5 of HB 609 –  SL 2011-374

HB 805: Additional Name Change Requirements

(Stam, Spear, Randleman)

SL 2011-303: 6/24/2011

HB 806: Zoning St. of Limit./Ag. Dist. Change

(Jordan, Stam, Moffitt, Stevens)

SL 2011-384: 6/27/2011

HB 814: Fair Compensation for Mortgage Broker/Lender (Collins, Stam, Faircloth)

Rules: 5/10/11

• Became Section 2.26 of HB 773 – Studies Act of 2011

HB 833: Honor State Capitol

(Starnes, Stam, Dollar, Torbett)

Adopted: 4/12/11

HB 886: Increase Charitable Contribution Deduction (Moffitt, Brawley, Stam, Setzer)

• House passed by a vote of 110 to 7: 6/14/11
• Referred to Senate Finance:  6/15/11
• Not considered by the Senate

HB 947: Eugenics Compensation Program (Womble, Tillis, Parmon, Stam)

• House passed by a vote of 86 to 31: 6/5/12
• Referred to Senate Judiciary II:  6/6/12
• Not considered by the Senate

HB 1021: Justice Reinvestment Clarifications (Stam)

SL 2012-188:  7/16/12

HB 1104: Scholarship Funding Corporate Tax Credit (Stam, Brisson, Hager, Brandon)

Failed in House Finance as a PCS for SB 599 by a tie vote of 11 to 11:  6/28/12

Balanced Budget:  On July 2, 2012 Republicans in the House and Senate overrode the Governor’s veto of the $20.17 billion budget adjusted for 2012-2013 (HB 950). This budget increased spending by 2.5% (-0.5% after inflation). No tax rates were increased.

The budget provides state employees and teachers a 1.2% raise. It gives retirees a 1% cost of living adjustment. This is the first raise for state employees and first cost of living adjustment for retirees since 2008.

Regulatory Reform:  HB 237 requires the Rate Bureau to share information with the Industrial Commission on the status of employers’ workers’ compensation insurance coverage. It became law on July 1, 2012.

SB 810 “Regulatory Reform Act of 2012” loosens regulatory requirements on citizens. It was presented to the Governor on June 28, 2012.

Licensures:  HB 799 accelerates the process by which military personnel and their spouses can be licensed to lawfully practice their occupation once they have moved to North Carolina. It allows the State Board of Education to issue teacher licenses to military spouses who are teachers in their home state. It was presented to the Governor on July 3, 2012.

Audits:  HB 462 prohibits the use of contingency based contracts for tax assessment audit purposes. State audits will no longer be able to use
contingency based contracts beginning October 1, 2012. Local governments may continue existing contracts until July 1, 2013. This prohibition will sunset for local governments on July 1, 2015. This allows time to study the impact of contingency contracts versus flat fee contracts for audits. This bill brings fairness to the property tax system in North Carolina. It was presented to the Governor July 3, 2012.

Education

Funding:  The 2012-2013 adjusted budget restores $251 million to public education. It provides $27 million for an education reform program that focuses on student literacy, improving graduation rates, and rewarding effective teachers. The budget fully funds enrollment growth in K-12, community colleges, and the university system.

Community colleges and the university system are given funds for a 1.2% raise for recruiting, retaining, or rewarding excellent instructors.

Policy:  HB 7 allows community colleges to opt out of the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. The House and Senate overrode the Governor’s veto on June 18, 2012 at the request of the Trustees of many community colleges.

Environment

Natural Gas:  SB 820 “Clean Energy and Economic Security Act” creates the Mining and Energy Commission, which will develop regulations for horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Licenses will not be issued until further legislative action. It became law on July 2, 2012 after the House and Senate overrode the Governor’s veto.

Property Rights

Protections:  HB 925 requires that residents of an area have the opportunity to vote prior to that area being annexed by a municipality. It became law on June 11, 2012.

Gun Rights

Protections:  HB 843 repealed G.S. §14-288.7, which prohibited transporting any dangerous weapon or substance in an area where there is a declared state of emergency. The act prohibits local governments from restricting lawfully possessed firearms within an emergency area. It became law on June 11, 2012.

Transportation

Gas Tax: The budget freezes the gas tax at 37.5 cents per gallon. This is 1.4 cents less than the previous rate.

Criminal Justice

Human Trafficking:  SB 910 is a bipartisan bill that increases penalties for the unlawful sale or purchase of a child to suppress human trafficking. It was presented to the Governor on July 3, 2012.

Absconders:  HB 1173 provides that a probation violator who absconds after the issuance of a warrant forfeits any public assistance benefits, such as Medicaid, until surrendering to the court. It does not affect the benefits of any of the violator’s family members. It was presented to the Governor on July 3, 2012.

Murder:  SB 105 increases the penalties for second degree murder and death by motor vehicle. It was presented to the Governor on June 28, 2012.

SB 635 amends state sentencing laws to comply with the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Miller v. Alabama. Minors who are convicted of felony murder will be sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years. In all other circumstances where minors are convicted of first degree murder, the court will conduct a hearing to determine whether the minor will be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole or life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years. It was passed by the House and Senate on July 3, 2012.

Death Penalty:  SB 416 amends death penalty procedures. Major changes detail the use of evidence to prove racial discrimination. It eliminates the defendant’s ability to use statewide statistical evidence. Statistical evidence alone will not determine racial discrimination. It limits the use of statistical data to approximately a 15 year window around the time the death sentence was sought or imposed. It ends the moratorium on the death penalty. It became law on July 2, 2012 after the House and Senate overrode the Governor’s veto.

Balanced Budget:  On June 15^th, 2011, the House voted 73 – 46 to override the veto of Governor Bev Perdue to balance the state’s budget. 

Lowered Tax Rates:    The budget contained the largest tax rate cut in the history of North Carolina.  It makes our state more competitive with our neighbors.  It puts almost $1.5 billion each year back into the hands of North Carolinians.

Cuts taxes for EVERY North Carolinian by allowing temporary sales and personal income taxes to expire, reducing the state’s sales tax from 7.75% to 6.75%.  Part of this tax goes to counties.  The State’s share was reduced 20 percent – from 5.75% to 4.75%.

Regulatory Reform:    Legislation to limit the burden of regulation on businesses became law.

                                    Senate Bill 22 – An act to limit new agency regulatory requirements that result in substantial additional costs.

                                    House Bill 542 – An act to provide tort reform for North Carolina.

                                    House Bill 709 – An act to Protect and Put NC Back to Work by reforming the Workers’ Compensation Act.

                                    Senate Bill 781 – The Regulatory Reform act to increase regulatory efficiency in order to balance job creation and environmental protection.

Jobs

Small Business:           A $50,000 personal income tax deduction for active business income. The deduction provides tax relief to 450,000 business owners in 2012 and 2013.

Education

Funding:  The budget fully funds the teachers in the classroom, not the bureaucracy.

Policy:  Senate Bill 8, “No Cap on Number of Charter Schools”.  Already new charter schools have been authorized.  More enrollment growth is allowed in existing charters.

House Bill 344 – allows individual income tax credit for children with disabilities who desire private education and creates a new fund for special education in the public schools.

House Bill 48– Eliminatessome end of grade testing in the public schools, except as required by Federal law or as a condition of a Federal grant.

House Bill 588 – Requires public schools to teach a semester in high school entitled, “American History I – The Founding Principles.”  The course will include a study on the Creator – endowed inalienable rights of the people, rule of law, equal justice under law, private property rights, federalism, due process, individual responsibility. 

Senate Bill 727—Ended the State’s collection of union dues in education.

Healthcare

Protect Freedom:  House Bill 2 protects North Carolinians from the “individual mandate” in the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).  The Governor vetoed it.  Republican leaders filed an Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) brief to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.  The Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 in favor of the states.  The U.S. Supreme Court will decide by June 2012.

Property Rights

Protections:  House Bill 92 – Repeal the land transfer tax.

                               House Bill 762 – Protect landowner’s rights.

                               House Bill 845 – Reform the involuntary annexation laws.

The House passed a Constitutional Amendment that will protect private property rights.  House Bill 8 titled, “Eminent Domain” passed the full House on a vote of 98 to 18.  The Senate will vote in May 2012.

Illegal Immigration

Protection:  House Bill 744 – The “Safe Schools Act”.  A principal of any public school shall require the parent or guardian of any child presented for admission for the first time to that school to furnish a certified copy of the child’s birth certificateor other satisfactory evidence of date of birth. 

House Bill 36 – Requires government and larger employers to use the Federal E-Verify program to verify newly hired employees.

Family

Marriage:  A referendum on a constitutional amendment to define marriage as only between one man and one woman will be held May 8, 2012.

Pro-Life

Legislation:  House Bill 854 – An act to require a 24-hour waiting period and the informed consent of a pregnant woman before an abortion may be performed became law after the House and Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto.  One section only (ultrasound) has been enjoined by a federal court while another federal court has approved the Texas version.

House Bill 289 – Authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue various special registration plates including North Carolina Zoological Society, ARTS NC, North Carolina State Flag and Donate Life.  A federal court has preliminarily enjoined only the “Choose Life” plate.

Permanently ended state funding of abortion in Medicaid and in the State Health Plan, except in cases of rape or incest or when the mother’s life would be in danger.

House Bill 215 – Unborn Victims of Violence Act allows the murderer of a pregnant woman to be charged with the crime of also killing the unborn child.

Election Law

Photo ID:  House Bill 351, “Restore Confidence in Government” requires voters to provide photo ID and allows more flexibility when applying for absentee ballots.  It was vetoed by the Governor on June 23, 2011.  The House was unable to override the Governor’s veto.  Because of a parliamentary procedure it is eligible for reconsideration in May 2012.

Criminal Justice

Senate Bill 9 – Restores the death penalty for first degree murder.  The Senate has overridden the Governor’s veto.  The House will vote in May.

House Bill 642, the Justice Reinvestment Act, restores balance in the criminal justice system.  While treating more serious crimes even more seriously it saves valuable prison space by releasing less violent criminals earlier.  It strengthens the probation system.

House failed to override veto:3/9/11

• Amicus brief from NC Republican Leaders submitted to the Court of Appeals

HB 3: Exclusionary Rule/Good Faith Exception(Stam, Ingle, Faircloth)

Ch. SL 2011-6:3/21/11

HB 8: Eminent Domain(Stam, Lewis, McGrady)

Senate Judiciary I: 5/2/11

• Will be considered by the Senate in September

HB 27: Forensic Sciences Act (Glazier, Stam, Michaux, Jackson)

Ch. SL 2011-19: 3/31/11

HB 40: Honor John Weatherly (Hastings, T. Moore, Hager, Stam)

Adopted: 2/21/11

HB 41: Tax Fairness in Education (Stam, Hager, Collins, Brawley)

Education: 2/7/11              

HB 112: Realign Wake Superior Court Districts (Dollar, Stam, Avila, Murry)

Ch. SL 2011-203: 6/23/11             

HB 139: Limit Contributions by State Vendors (Stam, Ross, Glazier, McGee)

Senate Judiciary I: 5/25/11            

HB 226: Prohibit Sweepstakes Devices

(Rapp, Sanderson, Glazier, Stam)

Commerce: 3/3/2011   

HB 312: Register of Deeds

(Haire, Stevens, Stam, Spear)

Ch. SL 2011-246: 6/23/2011

HB 325: Judicial Appointment/Voter Confirmation(Rhyne, M. Alexander, Stam, Glazier)

Rules: 3/14/2011       

• To be considered in September

HB 344: Tax Credits for Children with Disabilities

(Stam, Randleman, Jordan, Jones)

Ch. SL 2011-395: 7/1/2011    

HB 358: Apex/Cary Annexation Into Chatham Restricted(Hackney, Stam)

Ch. SL 2011-151:  6/16/2011

HB 472: City/County Electronic Notice(McGrady, Stam, Owens, Jackson)

Rules: 5/24/2011      

HB 489: Mechanics Lien and Bond Law Changes(Pridgen, Stam, Martin)

Senate Judiciary I: 6/1/2011

• Became Section 2.6 of  HB 773 – Studies Act of 2011

HB 494: Continuous Alcohol Monitoring Law Changes(M. Alexander, Guice, T. Moore, Stam)

Senate Rules: 6/10/2011

• Portions of this bill were implemented as part of HB 49 – Ch. SL 2011-191

HB 502: Preserve Biological Evidence/Custodial Agency(Glazier, Stam, Jackson, Michaux)

Judiciary B: 3/30/2011

• Became Sections 1 & 2 of HB 778 – Amend Innocence Commission Laws

HB 596: Transfer Surplus Prop. to Retirement System(Hastings, Stam, Crawford)

Ch. SL 2011-373: 6/27/2011   

HB 609: Promote Water Supply Development(McGrady, Stam, Gillespie, Carney)

Ch. SL 2011-374: 6/27/2011   

HB 615: No Discriminatory Purpose in Death Penalty(Burr, Stevens, Ingle, Stam)

Judiciary B: 4/5/2011

• Passed the House as SB 9 – No Discriminatory Purpose in Death Penalty.  Currently in Senate Judiciary I.

HB 638: Uniform Faithful Presidential Electors Act(Jordan, Stam)

Senate Judiciary I: 5/23/2011  

HB 658: Change Early Voting Period(Jones, Stam, Collins, Sager)

Senate Judiciary I: 5/23/2011  

HB 713: Public Contracts/Multiple Awards

(Stam, Lewis, Murry)

Ch. SL 2011-360: 6/27/2011   

HB 741: Amend Lab Accreditation Effective Datep(Barnhart, Stam)

Passed 3^rd Reading: 6/9/2011

• Became law as Section 9 of SB 684 – Ch. SL 2011-307

HB 779: Electronic Recording/Custodial Interrogations(Glazier, Stam, Faircloth, Hackney)

Senate Judiciary II: 5/2/2011

• Became law as Section 2 of SB 241 – Ch. SL 2011-329

HB 787: NC Water Efficiency Act

(McGrady, Samuelson, Stam, Harrison)

Sen. Agriculture/ENR: 6/8/2011

• Became law as Sections 3.1-3.5 of HB 609 –  Ch. SL 2011-374

HB 805: Additional Name Change Requirements

(Stam, Spear, Randleman)

Ch. SL 2011-303: 6/24/2011  

HB 806: Zoning St. of Limit./Ag. Dist. Change

(Jordan, Stam, Moffitt, Stevens)

Ch. SL 2011-384: 6/27/2011   

HB 814: Fair Compensation for Mortgage Broker/Lender(Collins, Stam, Faircloth)

Rules: 5/10/2011       

• Became Section 2.26 of HB 773 – Studies Act of 2011

HB 833: Honor State Capitol

(Starnes, Stam, Dollar, Torbett)

Adopted: 4/12/2011    

HB 886: Increase Charitable Contribution Deduction(Moffitt, Brawley, Stam, Setzer)

Senate Finance:  6/15/2011

• With bipartisan support, the House voted 73 – 46 to override the veto of Governor Bev Perdue.  The House and Senate achieved this historic milestone on June 15, 2011.
• This fulfills our first two promises to the people of North Carolina:  A balanced budget and a budget that does not raise tax rates.  Our budget contains the largest tax rate cut in the history of North Carolina.  It makes our state more competitive with our neighbors again.  It puts almost $1.5 billion back in to the hands of hard working North Carolinians.  It is balanced.  The business school at UNC Chapel Hill estimates that the Republican budget will create up to 14,900 new private sector jobs in North Carolina.

2.  Protect Health Care Freedom Act

• HB 2, protects North Carolinians from the “individual mandate” in the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), passed the House and Senate and was sent to the Governor.  She Vetoed the bill.  Republican leaders filed an Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) brief on May 11, 2011 to the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Georgia.  The Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 in favor of the states.

3.  North Carolina is a Right-to-Work state.  Republicans will continue to support laws that secure the right of employees to decide for themselves whether or not to join a union.  We will stop any legislation that allows collective bargaining. 

4.  Reducing regulatory burden on small business.

 Both House and Senate members have proposed legislation to limit the financial burden of regulation on businesses. 

• Senate Bill 22 – An act to limit new agency regulatory requirements that result in substantial additional costs.  SB 22 passed both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor on March 25, 2011.
• House Bill 162 – An act to exempt certain activities related to small-scale processing of agricultural products from wastewater permit requirements.  The bill passed the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor on April 19, 2011.
• House Bill 200 – The Appropriations Act of 2011 limits the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Labor and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services from imposing standards or limitations that are more restrictive than the Federal government.  The Act became law on June 15, 2011.
• House Bill 542 – An act to provide tort reform for North Carolina citizens and businesses was signed by the Governor and became law on June 24, 2011.
• House Bill 619 – An act to specify the Secretary of Revenue’s authority to adjust net income of a corporation or to require a corporation to file a combined return was signed by the Governor and became law on June 30, 2011.
• House Bill 709 – An act to Protect and Put NC Back to Work by reforming the Workers’ Compensation Act passed the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor on June 24, 2011.
• Senate Bill 781 – An act to increase regulatory efficiency in order to balance job creation and environmental protection was vetoed by the Governor.  The House and Senate overrode the Governor’s veto on July 25, 2011 and the bill became law.

5.  The balanced budget passed by the House and Senate fully funds the teachers in the classroom, not the bureaucracy.

6.  Senate Bill 8 entitled, “No Cap on Number of Charter Schools” passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support and has been signed by the Governor.  The bill became law on June 17, 2011.

7.  HB 351, titled “Restore Confidence in Government” requires voters to provide photo ID before voting and allows more flexibility when applying for absentee ballots.  HB 351 was ratified by the House and Senate but vetoed by the Governor on June 23, 2011.  The House was unable to override the Governor’s veto but because of a parliamentary procedure it is eligible for reconsideration. 

8.  The House and Senate have each introduced bills proposing a Constitutional Amendment that will protect private property rights.  House Bill 8 titled, “Eminent Domain” passed the full House on a vote of 98 to 18 and now moves to the Senate.

9.  HB 139 entitled, “Limit Contributions by State Vendors” discourages pay-to-play politics in North Carolina. The bill seeks to limit the campaign contributions of state vendors to Council of State offices with which they hold contracts.  HB 139 passed the House on May 24^th and has been sent to the Senate.

Notable Republican Bills Signed Into Law

House Bill 36 – An act to require counties, cities and employers to use the Federal E-Verify program to verify the work authorization of newly hired employees was signed by the Governor on June 23, 2011.

House Bill 92 – An act to repeal the land transfer tax was signed into law by the Governor on March 31, 2011.

House Bill 112 – An act to realign the Districts for Wake County Superior Court Judge seats to provide for single member districts and equal representation in those districts was signed into law by the Governor on June 23, 2011.

House Bill 542 – An act to provide tort reform for North Carolina citizens and businesses was signed into law by the Governor on June 24, 2011.

House Bill 588 – An act requiring local boards of education to teach a semester long course in high school entitled, “American History I – The Founding Principles.” The course will include a study on The Creator – endowed inalienable rights of the people, rule of law, equal justice under law, private property rights, federalism, due process, individual responsibility, etc. The Governor made this act law on June 23, 2011.

House Bill 596 – An act to require that proceeds of certain dispositions of state-owned real property be used in part to support the general fund, in part to support the teachers’ and state employees’ retirement system of North Carolina, and in part to support the agencies to which the property was allocated; and to appropriate funds for these purposes. The bill became law by the Governor’s hand on June 27, 2011.

House Bill 642 – The Justice Reinvestment Act was signed into law on June 23, 2011 by the Governor. The act is a major reform of the North Carolina Justice system.

House Bill 650 – An act to provide when a person may use defensive force and to amend various gun laws regarding the right to own, possess, or carry a firearm in North Carolina was signed into law by the Governor on June 23, 2011.

House Bill 762 – An act to protect landowner’s rights was signed into law by the Governor on June 23, 2011.

House Bill 927 – An act to make changes to the statutes governing the teachers’ and state employees’ retirement system and the consolidated judicial retirement system to ensure the future solvency of those systems was signed into law by the Governor on June 23, 2011.

House Bill 289 – An act to authorize the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue various special registration plates including North Carolina Zoological Society, ARTS NC, North Carolina State Flag and Donate Life was signed by the Governor and became law on June 30, 2011.

House Bill 619 – An act to specify the Secretary of Revenue’s authority to adjust net income of a corporation or to require a corporation to file a combined return was signed by the Governor and became law on June 30, 2011.

Notable Republican Bills That Became Law without the Governor’s Signature

House Bill 48 – An act to reduce spending by eliminating statewide standardized testing in the public schools, except as required by Federal law or as a condition of a Federal grant. The bill became law on March 21, 2011.

House Bill 119 – An act to amend certain environmental and natural resources laws was presented to the Governor on June 20, 2011 and became law without her signature on July 1, 2011.

House Bill 744 – The “Safe Schools Act” states that a principal of any public school may shall require the parent or guardian of any child presented for admission for the first time to that school to furnish (i) a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, which shall be furnished by the register of deeds of the county having on file the record of the birth of the child, or other satisfactory evidence of date of birth, as provided in Article 4 of Chapter 130A. The act became law on June 28, 2011.

House Bill 344 – An act to allow individual income tax credit for children with disabilities who require special education and to create a fund for special education and related services became law on July 1, 2011.

House Bill 845 – An act to reform the involuntary annexation laws of North Carolina became law on July 1, 2011.

Veto Overrides

 Senate Bill 33 – An act to reform the laws relating to money judgment appeal bonds, bifurcation of trials in civil cases and medical liability became law on July 25, 2011 after the House and Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto.

Senate Bill 496 – An act to provide requirements of Medicaid and health choice providers became law on July 25, 2011 after the House and Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto.

Senate Bill 532 (HB 813) – An act to reform employment security laws by creating the Division of Employment Security within the Department of Commerce became law on July 26, 2011 after the House and Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto.

Senate Bill 781 – An act to increase regulatory efficiency in order to balance job creation and environmental protection was vetoed by the Governor. The House and Senate overrode the Governor’s veto on July 25, 2011 and the bill became law.

House Bill 200 – The Appropriations Act of 2011, otherwise known as the state budget, which was balanced and did not raise tax rates.

House Bill 854 – An act to require a 24-hour waiting period and the informed consent of a pregnant woman before an abortion may be performed became law on July 28, 2011 after the House and Senate voted to override the Governor’s veto.

August 15, 2011

1.  Balanced Budget and Reduced Tax Rates 

• With bipartisan support, the House voted 73 – 46 to override the veto of Governor Bev Perdue. The House and Senate achieved this historic milestone on June 15, 2011.  
• This fulfills our first two promises to the people of North Carolina: A balanced budget and a budget that does not raise tax rates. Our budget contains the largest tax rate cut in the history of North Carolina. It makes our state more competitive with our neighbors again. It puts almost $1.5 billion back in to the hands of hard working North Carolinians. It is balanced. The business school at UNC Chapel Hill estimates that the Republican budget will create up to 14,900 new private sector jobs in North Carolina.  

2.  Protect Health Care Freedom Act 

• HB 2, protects North Carolinians from the “individual mandate” in the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), passed the House and Senate and was sent to the Governor. She Vetoed the bill. Republican leaders filed an Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) brief on May 11, 2011 to the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Georgia. The Court of Appeals is now in deliberations.

3.  North Carolina is a Right-to-Work state. Republicans will continue to support laws that secure the right of employees to decide for themselves whether or not to join a union. We will stop any legislation that allows collective bargaining.

 4.  Reducing regulatory burden on small business. 

• Both House and Senate members have proposed legislation to limit the financial burden of regulation on businesses.  
1. Senate Bill 22 – An act to limit new agency regulatory requirements that result in substantial additional costs. SB 22 passed both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor on March 25, 2011.
2. House Bill 162 – An act to exempt certain activities related to small-scale processing of agricultural products from wastewater permit requirements. The bill passed the House and Senate and was signed by the Governoron April 19, 2011.
3. House Bill 200 – The Appropriations Act of 2011 limits the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Labor and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services from imposing standards or limitations that are more restrictive than the Federal government. The Act became law on June 15, 2011.
4. House Bill 542 – An act to provide tort reform for North Carolina citizens and businesses was signed by the Governor and became law on June 24, 2011.
5. House Bill 619 – An act to specify the Secretary of Revenue’s authority to adjust net income of a corporation or to require a corporation to file a combined return was signed by the Governor and became law on June 30, 2011.
6. House Bill 709 – An act to Protect and Put NC Back to Work by reforming the Workers’ Compensation Act passed the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor on June 24, 2011.
7. Senate Bill 781 – An act to increase regulatory efficiency in order to balance job creation and environmental protection was vetoed by the Governor. The House and Senate overrode the Governor’s vetoon July 25, 2011 and the bill became law.

5.  The balanced budget passed by the House and Senate fully funds the teachers in the classroom, not the bureaucracy.  

6.  Senate Bill 8 entitled, “No Cap on Number of Charter Schools” passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support and has been signed by the Governor. The bill became law on June 17, 2011. 

7.  HB 351, titled “Restore Confidence in Government” requires voters to provide photo ID before voting and allows more flexibility when applying for absentee ballots. HB 351 was ratified by the House and Senate but vetoedby the Governoron June 23, 2011. The House was unable to override the Governor’s veto but because of a parliamentary procedure it is eligible for reconsideration.  

8.  The House and Senate have each introduced bills proposing a Constitutional Amendment that will protect private property rights. House Bill 8 titled, “Eminent Domain” passed the full House on a vote of 98 to 18 and now moves to the Senate. 

9.  HB 139 entitled, “Limit Contributions by State Vendors” discourages pay-to-play politics in North Carolina. The bill seeks to limit the campaign contributions of state vendors to Council of State offices with which they hold contracts. HB 139 passed the House on May 24^th and has been sent to the Senate.

100 Day Legislative Update

April 25, 2011

•  Budget Priorities

On April 14, 2011 the House and Senate passed HB 383, a continuing resolution budget, without raising tax rates.  The measure allows the Governor to allocate funds for spending by State departments at a level that basically does not exceed expected revenues for the 2011-2012 fiscal years in case the House, Senate and Governor do not agree on a formal budget.  On Saturday April 16, 2011, the Governor VETOED this measure so that she can demand tax rate increases. 

• Protect Health Care Freedom Act

HB 2, protects North Carolinians from the “individual mandate” in the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), passed the House and Senate and was sent to the Governor.  She Vetoed the bill.  Republican leaders will submit an Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) brief to the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals.

• North Carolina is a Right-to-Work state.  Republicans will continue to support laws that secure the right of employees to decide for themselves whether or not to join a union.  We will stop SB 386.

• Reducing regulatory burden on small business.

Both House and Senate members have proposed legislation to limit the financial burden of regulation on businesses. 

Senate Bill 22 – An act to limit new agency regulatory requirements that result in substantial additional costs.  SB 22 passed both the Senate and House and was signed into law by the Governor on March 25, 2011.

House Bill 162 – An act to exempt certain activities related to small-scale processing of agricultural products from wastewater permit requirements.  The bill passed the House and Senate and was ratified by the House on April 14, 2011. 

House Bill 237 – An act to require economic impact statements on all bills that propose regulatory changes.  The bill passed first reading of the House and is before the Committee on Commerce and Job Development.

House Bill 323 – An act to reduce the corporate income tax rate in North Carolina from 6.9% to 4.75%.  HB 323 will be considered as part of the budget.

House Bill 800 – An act to create the North Carolina Jobs and Commerce Corporation Task Force to study the implementation of the transferring of economic development activities into a single entity is now before the House Committee on Commerce and Job Development.

The Joint Select Committee on Regulatory Reform held six meetings across the state beginning in Wilmington on March 11th. They heard suggestions from the public concerning burdensome regulations on individuals and business. The last meeting was held on Thursday, April 21^st in Raleigh, NC.

• Senate Bill 8 entitled, “No Cap on Number of Charter Schools” passed the House on Monday evening, by a vote of 68 – 51.  SB 8 received unanimous support from House Republicans and one courageous Democrat.  Charter school legislation now heads to conference with the Senate.   Representatives Stam, Samuelson and Brandon are House conferees to work with Senators Stevens, Graham and Soucek.

• House Election Law Committee has held several committee meetings on HB 351, titled “Restore Confidence in Government.” The bill would require voters to provide photo ID before voting and allow more flexibility when applying for absentee ballots.  HB 351 passed the Election Law committee and is now before the House Appropriations Committee.

• The House and Senate have each introduced bills proposing a Constitutional Amendment that will protect private property rights.  House Bill 8 titled, “Eminent Domain” passed the full House Judiciary committee.  Debate on House Bill 8 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 26^th around 2:00 pm.  Come watch or listen. 

• House Republicans moved one step closer to good government by passing House Bill 61 titled, “Speaker/Pro Tem Term Limits.”  This constitutional amendment seeks to cap the number of consecutive legislative terms the Speaker or President Pro Tem of the Senate serves to no more than two.  It passed 72 – 46, the bare minimum and now moves to the Senate.  The Governor cannot veto a constitutional amendment. 

• House Republicans introduced HB 139 entitled, “Limit Contributions by State Vendors” as a measure to discourage pay-to-play politics in North Carolina. The bill seeks to limit the campaign contributions of state vendors to Council of State offices with which they hold contracts.  HB 139 passed through Elections Committee on Wednesday and is headed to the floor. 

            Almost every fact contained in their news release is incorrect.

            So that you will have the actual facts I here are links to the bill (HB-41), the fiscal memorandum by our non-partisan staff, as well as a PowerPoint prepared by my staff that explains the bill.

            Here are some of the inaccuracies:

• Chair Harrison and Superintendent Atkinson refer to these credits as “vouchers” when they are not.  They either misunderstand the term or they are attempting to fool you.  North Carolina does have vouchers for preschool education (Smart Start) and higher education (legislative tuition grants).  This bill provides tax credits, not vouchers.  Furthermore, the transaction would be exclusively between the Department of Revenue and the families – no funds would come directly to DPI or directly to a private school. 

• They tell you that private schools “function without public oversight or accountability”.  That is not true.  Each private school or home school student is required to have a nationally normed test every year.  Those test results are open to inspection by the Governor, acting through the Department of Non-Public Instruction.  That is more oversight than we have over the traditional public schools which do not use nationally normed tests for all students.  It is difficult to criticize private schools by arguing that they function without accountability when one-third of our public middle school students are not at grade-level in reading or mathematics.

• In addition, North Carolina’s high school graduation rate ranks near the bottom nationwide and its suspension and expulsion rates rank near the top. If we can provide students with an alternative environment that will help them reach their potential, then why should politics and agendas interfere with that?

• The Chair and Superintendent say that the annual tuition ranges from $5,000 to $19,000 a year.  That is not true.  The tuition at many private schools is more like $2,500 and the fiscal note says the average in North Carolina is $7,694.  A really fine group of schools in Wake County, Thales Academy, has an annual tuition of $5,000.  They are correct that the public schools, in contrast, fund students at approximately $8,450 per student each year.

• They say that this is a “move to pull support from public schools”.  The fiscal note demonstrates that this bill will save the state and county governments about $51 million a year while leaving somewhat fewer students in the public schools.  That means there is more money in the general fund per student than without the bill.  They have the facts exactly backwards.

• They refer to the tax credit as “taxpayer resources”, as if all money belongs to the state presumptively and a credit is a “taxpayer resource.”  That may be true with some credits.  But this credit, which demonstratively saves the state and counties money, is in no way a “taxpayer resource”. 

• The Chair and Superintendent claim that this bill would “violate the guiding principles for the 2011 Legislative Session” published February 3, 2011.  But those guiding principles say nothing about this bill or any element in it.  This bill does not give any directive for any action of the Department of Public Instruction.

I am surprised that the Department of Public Instruction has chosen to insert its opinion on a bill which has such potential for improving education for the public.

We have many challenges ahead in the next few months.  I am disappointed that the Department has wandered so far outside of its own jurisdiction as they have done in this instance.