1.
Raleigh
Roundup
419B Legislative Office Building
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925
(919) 715-3009 ruths@ncleg.net
May 09, 2011 Legislative Update Raleigh, NC
The budget was the big news in Raleigh last week, with the House approving a fiscally
responsible, common-sense plan that has bipartisan support. It has now moved to the Senate,
which is expected to offer its own version very shortly.
Some House budget highlights:
The $19.3 billion spending plan puts more than $1 billion back in the pockets of North
Carolinians by not extending the sales tax that is scheduled to expire next month,
positioning us for economic and job growth.
It preserves every K-12 teaching position in the state and fully funds school enrollment
growth.
It shrinks the size of government, but in a responsible way, so that state employee lay offs
are limited.
Also last week in Raleigh:
The House passed the Level Playing Field/Local Government Competition bill, which
curbs the ability of cities and towns to get into the broadband business and compete
with private companies. It exempts existing systems, including the ones in Mooresville,
Davidson and Salisbury.
The House tentatively approved a bill that will expand DNA testing of arrested suspects
in certain felony cases.
The House passed the Gfeller-Waller Concussion Awareness Act, which establishes
concussion safety requirements for interscholastic athletics programs.
Coming up:
A comprehensive package of reforms to North Carolina's involuntary annexation laws
will be heard in the Finance Committee.
Best wishes,
Ruth Samuelson, Majority Whip
NC House of Representatives, District 104
Mecklenburg County
http://www.ruthsamuelson.com