Reform: Setting Priorities & Controlling Government Spending
It’s time for reform in North Carolina. Over the past four years North Carolina has seen unprecedented waste, abuse, and even corruption in its governing institutions. From an ailing mental health system, to inadequate funding and management of our transportation programs, to a high school dropout rate over 30%, to a criminal justice system that cannot keep track of dangerous criminals, all while former House Leaders are being investigated and sent to prison; clearly state government desperately needs fundamental reform.
Sadly, the State is failing to meet basic obligations at a time when State spending has soared over 30% just since 2004. The people of North Carolina are not getting their money’s worth and vulnerable groups in our State are not getting the services they need while the current Leadership is mired in the bureaucratic routine of the past.
We can do better! I am working to restore real spending priorities and accountability to our state institutions. It’s time to set North Carolina on a new course to modernize our state institutions, change how we budget and fund programs, set priorities for the services we need, and demand public accountability for the results.
Better Schools: Accountable to the Needs of Parents and Students
Our economic future depends on a well-educated work force. I will continue to work to cut the dropout rate and improve basic math, reading and writing skills in the early grades. Parents need a stronger role in deciding which schools best fit their children's educational needs. I will work for our children's right to attend quality schools closer to home.
Wake County Board of Education: Parents deserve a real voice in the education of their children, that’s why I have sponsored HB 432 to allow Wake County voters to elect all nine members of the Board in the same manner as our County Commissioners. Both Senate and House sponsors have indicated we will consider a compromise proposal to have both district and at large members, as long as voters have the opportunity to elect a majority of the Board.
School Construction: I introduced legislation to use the proceeds from the State Lottery to fund a statewide school bond that would provide $4 billion to build schools across North Carolina. Under my plan, counties would have the rzesources they need to build schools without having to raise local property taxes.
Better Jobs: A Sounder Tax Policy and Regulatory Reform
We need across-the-board tax relief for small businesses in North Carolina, not special incentive deals for the favored few. With the highest combined tax rate in the Southeast we are at a competitive disadvantage with our neighboring states. This has an adverse impact on small businesses, family budgets and is damaging to economic development. It's time to cut government waste and to invest in education and infrastructure. In addition, I propose accelerated depreciation for technology purchases, and expanding Community College programs to up-skill and retrain workers. A high quality education is fundamental to increasing our productivity and ensuring North Carolina has a competitive edge in the global economy. We must drastically reduce the appalling high school drop-out rate; focus on the state’s infrastructure including roads, water and power; and establish an economic environment which rewards innovation and encourages capital investment. In 2007, I introduced HB 1997, the Economic Impact/Regulatory Legislation act which would require the General Assembly to assess the costs and benefits of regulatory proposals on businesses and consumers before new laws are passed.
Health Care: Access to Quality Affordable Health Care and Preventive Care
North Carolina citizens and families need affordable access to the highest quality health care available. I will continue to advocate for reforms which will lower costs and improve access for all. I am proud to have sponsored and helped pass HB 265, to establishing a Health Insurance High Risk Pool, to give persons with preexisting medical conditions access health insurance. I sponsored additional reforms passed into law, including standardizing insurance cards, tightening prompt pay provisions on insurers, banning smoking in Long-Term Care Facilities, and increase funding for childhood diabetes education and prevention, and the Breast Cancer Control Program Outreach. To improve long-term health care outcomes and control cost we must expand access and focus on preventive health care.
Better Roads: Creating “The Good Transportation State”
North Carolina was once known as “The Good Roads State.” Today we are behind on both the construction and maintenance of our roads. We are also plagued by mismanagement at the Department of Transportation which has cost taxpayers hundreds of million of dollars in waste, abuse and faulty construction.
A Better Transportation Plan: I have introduced legislation to end the annual raid on the Highway Trust Fund and Highway Fund and create a new fund to address needed improvements to commuter thoroughfares. I support high occupancy vehicle lanes for I-40, regional bus service, expediting completion of the I-540 loop, greater accountability and efficiency in our highway building program, and I oppose raiding highway dollars to pay for non-highway programs and pork-barrel spending.
Illegal Immigration
North Carolina’s explosive growth in illegal immigrants has greatly changed our state over the past decade. Illegal immigration no longer affects only Border States. In North Carolina the influx of illegals is straining our schools, our social services, and law enforcement. We cannot afford to allow benefits designed to help our citizens be abused by those here illegally. I will continue to take a firm stand on illegal immigration and advocate legislation to ensure our tax dollars are spend only on the needs of our citizens. To enact these needed reforms, I am a sponsor of HB 1485, the NC Illegal Immigration Prevention Act and a prime sponsor of HB 1399, Ensure Integrity of NC Drivers Licenses.
Criminal Justice - Drugs - Gangs
We need to reform our criminal justice system to provide stronger penalties for drug dealers, gangs, and more intensive, long-term treatment for those trapped by an addiction to drugs or alcohol. As a person who has worked with youth all of my life, I have seen the potential of individuals when encouraged to pursue what is good and right. We need more intensive and effective treatment for young people on drugs, and we need stronger punishment for those who sell drugs. I am proud to have introduced and passed a bill that allows District Attorneys to question the source of bail funds for major criminals and drug dealers. Thanks to my legislation, felons can no longer use the money from their illegal activities to bail themselves out of jail. I am pleased to be a co-sponsor of the recently enacted Jessica’s Law which will better protect our children and provide sure punishment for predators.
Involuntary Annexation: Protecting Your Property Rights
I have supported and will continue to fight for a full and thorough legislative review of the State's policy on involuntary annexation, and will actively support revisions of the law to include a meaningful voice and vote for citizens potentially affected by a proposed involuntary annexation.
The House Select Committee on Municipal Annexation: I am pleased to be a member of this Select Study Committee which is reviewing laws and policies to empower homeowners and better protect their rights when cities threaten to forcibly annex their homes and neighborhoods. I am proud to have sponsored HB 2367 to enact a temporary moratorium on involuntary annexation while the Committee works to develop fair and balanced reforms to present to the 2009 Session of the General Assembly.
Swift Creek: I was pleased to sponsor and pass a law in 2005 to provide stronger legal protections for the Swift Creek Land Management Plan.
The Environment
Protection and enhancement of North Carolina’s natural resources is important to the future of our state. I was pleased to co-sponsor the Drinking Water Reservoir Protection Act, the Senate version of which passed the General Assembly in 2006, and I am a sponsor of Land for Tomorrow’s Land and Water Conservation Bond Act, to provide funding to preserve North Carolina’s natural heritage. I will continue to support the protection of our air, water and land resources for the next generation of North Carolinians to enjoy.
Apex Chemical Fire: I am proud to have sponsored HB 36, Hazardous Materials Task Force Recommendations Act, which reforms and modernizes how we regulate and monitor hazardous materials facilities in North Carolina. This landmark legislation protects and notifies area residents, requires 24/7 monitoring of facilities, keeps an accurate and up to day computerized record of all materials at the site, gives local governments greater zoning authority, and improves building codes. The goal of this legislation is to prevent another disaster like the one in Apex, and to enable responders to be better prepared if an accident occurs.