Today the Legislative Elections Oversight Committee, which I have the privilege of serving on, met to hear a report from the State Board of Elections. The report was presented by officials from the SBOE, including Kim Strach, who is the Executive Director. Much of the report explained procedures that are being used by the SBOE, including how voter ID laws are being implemented and how voter registration is tracked.
There is one portion of the report that is very alarming. The SBOE has discovered evidence indicating that there have been numerous cases of voter fraud in North Carolina.
According to the SBOE, North Carolina recently began participating in an "Interstate Crosscheck" with 27 other states. This crosscheck allows participating states to compile and share information related to voter registration.
According to the information compiled in the crosscheck, the SBOE has identified 765 cases where there is an exact match of a voter's first and last name, date of birth, and last four digits of the Social Security number -- registered in North Carolina and another state, and voted in North Carolina and the other state in the 2012 general election.
The SBOE has identified 35,750 other cases where there is an exact match of a voter's first and last name and date of birth -- registered in North Carolina and another state, and voted in North Carolina and the other state in the 2012 general election -- but the Social Security numbers have yet to be verified.
Also, the SBOE has identified 155,692 cases where there is an exact match of the voter's first and last name, date of birth, and last four digits of the Social Security number -- registered in both North Carolina and another state, but has not voted in North Carolina in a recent election.
Obviously these are very alarming numbers. It appears likely that there have been thousands of cases of voter fraud in North Carolina. This means that people's vote may have been disenfranchised by people who committed voter fraud by casting multiple ballots, distorting the outcome of an election.
Moreover, there are currently only 28 states that are participating in the Interstate Crosscheck system. If we were to factor in all of the other states that are not participating, such as California, New York, and Texas, chances are good that the numbers of possible voter fraud would be much higher.
All of this is still being investigated by the SBOE. I am hopeful that we will have more detailed information soon. Besides the bad news of potential voter fraud, it is great to see the SBOE working to promote integrity within our elections system.
This news highlights the reasons why we moved forward with voter ID and other election-related reforms in the 2013 legislative session. Our goal is to increase the integrity of our elections system by making the process as fair, efficient, and honest as possible.
Voter fraud doesn't exist if you don't look for it. I have thought for a long time that the reason why there aren't widespread cases of voter fraud is because there has not been proper oversight. This report from the SBOE may prove that theory to be correct.
Also, to make matters more interesting, the SBOE has identified at least 81 people who appear to have voted after becoming deceased. This indicates that there is either voter fraud or technical errors within the elections system. The SBOE is in the process of investigated this matter as well.
We owe it to our citizens to get to the bottom of this situation as soon as possible. Additional information will be provided when it becomes available. This matter will continue to be monitored very closely by the SBOE and members of the General Assembly.
Below are screenshots from the SBOE report that was presented today.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Press Release: Rep. Hardister to Seek Reelection
January 15, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Rep. Jon Hardister
336.404.8791
Rep. Hardister to Seek Reelection
Agenda will Include Improved Job Growth, Government Reform and Increased Teacher Pay
Greensboro, NC - Today Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) announced his intentions to seek reelection to the NC House of Representatives.
"After careful consideration I have decided to seek a second term in the NC House," Hardister said. "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our community, and it is my hope that the citizens of Guilford County will allow me to continue serving."
Hardister cited tax reform as a major accomplishment made by the legislature last year. "It had become imperative that we simplify our tax code and lower tax rates in North Carolina," Hardister said. "Reforming our tax code was an important step in making our State more attractive for job creation."
"Other important legislative measures that were made last year include the passage of a balanced budget, reducing regulations on the private sector, and allowing parents to have more control over their children's education," Hardister said.
Hardister said that increasing teacher pay and improving the Medicaid system will be notable goals in this year's legislative session. He also said that it will be important to continue working to make government more efficient and to promote sound economic policies.
"There is more work to do, but the process of making North Carolina the best place to live, work, and raise a family has begun," Hardister said.
Hardister was elected to the NC House in 2012 and is currently serving his first term as a legislator. Four of the bills that Hardister filed as the lead sponsor have become law, along with numerous bills that he cosponsored. He received a high rating by the NC Chamber of Commerce and the NC Free Enterprise Foundation for his work in the 2013 legislative session.
###
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
End of Year Report
Here is a series of public policy updates as the year 2013 comes to a close.
Economic Improvement
Economic Improvement
According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor, North Carolina's unemployment rate is now 7.4 percent. That is a two percent drop from December 2012 (one year ago) when the statewide unemployment rate was 9.4 percent. Although the economy is still in need of improvement, this is encouraging news for North Carolina.
The improved economy in North Carolina may be a result of pro-business policies that have been promoted in the state legislature. Tax reform and regulatory reform are two major accomplishments that were made in the 2013 legislative session. Many of these reforms will take hold in 2014, which will hopefully help to strengthen our economy for years to come.
Public Education
Over the last few months I have visited several public schools in NC House District 59. My goal is to visit all of the schools in my district by the time the 2014 legislative session begins (which will be in May). This will allow me to learn directly from people who work in our education system.
One issue that needs to addressed is teacher pay. Many people, including myself, believe that teachers are underpaid in North Carolina (and have been long before Republicans came into the legislative majority). Unfortunately, the economic recovery and increasing costs related to Medicaid made it difficult to provide teachers with a pay increase this year.
However, I am confident that we will be able to provide teachers with a pay increase in next year's legislative session. Leaders in the NC General Assembly, Governor Pat McCrory, and Lt. Governor Dan Forest have all expressed interest in increasing teacher pay. This is a goal that we will work to accomplish in a manner that is responsible to the state budget.
Common Core
Many constituents have contacted me to express concerns about Common Core. In simple terms, Common Core is a set of national K-12 education standards (focused on English and math) that was adopted by numerous states, including North Carolina. There are many people who are concerned that the standards are unworkable and that they will reduce local control of education.
This is an issue that transcends partisan politics. I have heard from both Democrats and Republicans who are concerned about Common Core. I have heard from parents, teachers, and administrators who are concerned about this issue.
The North Carolina legislature has established a joint study committee on Common Core. Although I was unable to secure an appointment to the committee, I will be attending each meeting that is held. If you have any thoughts or feedback on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Obamacare
It is no surprise that the rollout of Obamacare has been problematic. Aside from problems related to the online health care exchanges, many people have lost their health care plan, and others have seen (or could see) an increase in the cost of their insurance. Also, businesses are struggling to find ways to handle the regulations that will result from Obamacare.
In North Carolina, our legislature chose not to expand Medicaid (as a part of Obamacare), and we also chose not to establish a state health care exchange (also a part of Obamacare). These actions will help to protect our citizens from potential long-term problems related to Obamacare.
Due to the fact that Obamacare is a federal law, it is important that we elect leaders to federal office who are willing to repeal and restructure the law. This issue is not about politics. It is about addressing problems related to an overreaching federal law that will lead to long-term ramifications on our nation's economy.
Awards and Recognition
It has been an honor to receive the following awards and recognitions related to the 2013 legislative session:
"NC Legislative Freshman Trailblazer" award from the NC Alliance for Public Charter Schools
"Certificate of Appreciation" from the NC Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform
Highest-rated legislator from Guilford County by the NC Free Enterprise Foundation
Highest-rated legislator from Guilford County by the NC Chamber of Commerce
NC Tax and Budget Information
Here is information on North Carolina's new tax rates (which are lower due to tax reform) and budget revenue.
Basic Tax Rates
Personal Income Tax: 5.8% (flat rate)
Corporate Tax: 6%
Sales and Use Tax: 4.75% (average State and Local is 6.75%)
State Gas Tax: 37.5% (capped at this rate)
Estate Tax: Eliminated
Standard Deductions
Single Taxpayer: $7,500
Head of Household: $12,000
Married Filing Jointly: $15,000
Budget Revenue
- General Fund Revenue: $20.1 billion (FY 12-13)
- Public Education: 56%
- Health and Human Services: 24%
- Justice and Public Safety: 11%
- Reserves and Debt Service: 5%
- General Government: 2%
- Natural and Economic Resources: 2%
Reelection 2014
Soon I will be releasing a statement declaring my intentions to seek reelection to the NC House in 2014. It has been an honor to serve in our state legislature, and I hope that our citizens will allow me to continue serving. I would be grateful to have your support of my reelection efforts.
Happy New Year
Let us remember the positive memories of 2013 while looking forward to new opportunities in 2014. Best wishes to you and your family for a prosperous New Year. I hope that all of your goals for the New Year will become a reality.
Quote to Remember
"New Year's Day is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one."
- Brad Paisley
The improved economy in North Carolina may be a result of pro-business policies that have been promoted in the state legislature. Tax reform and regulatory reform are two major accomplishments that were made in the 2013 legislative session. Many of these reforms will take hold in 2014, which will hopefully help to strengthen our economy for years to come.
Public Education
Over the last few months I have visited several public schools in NC House District 59. My goal is to visit all of the schools in my district by the time the 2014 legislative session begins (which will be in May). This will allow me to learn directly from people who work in our education system.
One issue that needs to addressed is teacher pay. Many people, including myself, believe that teachers are underpaid in North Carolina (and have been long before Republicans came into the legislative majority). Unfortunately, the economic recovery and increasing costs related to Medicaid made it difficult to provide teachers with a pay increase this year.
However, I am confident that we will be able to provide teachers with a pay increase in next year's legislative session. Leaders in the NC General Assembly, Governor Pat McCrory, and Lt. Governor Dan Forest have all expressed interest in increasing teacher pay. This is a goal that we will work to accomplish in a manner that is responsible to the state budget.
Common Core
Many constituents have contacted me to express concerns about Common Core. In simple terms, Common Core is a set of national K-12 education standards (focused on English and math) that was adopted by numerous states, including North Carolina. There are many people who are concerned that the standards are unworkable and that they will reduce local control of education.
This is an issue that transcends partisan politics. I have heard from both Democrats and Republicans who are concerned about Common Core. I have heard from parents, teachers, and administrators who are concerned about this issue.
The North Carolina legislature has established a joint study committee on Common Core. Although I was unable to secure an appointment to the committee, I will be attending each meeting that is held. If you have any thoughts or feedback on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Obamacare
It is no surprise that the rollout of Obamacare has been problematic. Aside from problems related to the online health care exchanges, many people have lost their health care plan, and others have seen (or could see) an increase in the cost of their insurance. Also, businesses are struggling to find ways to handle the regulations that will result from Obamacare.
In North Carolina, our legislature chose not to expand Medicaid (as a part of Obamacare), and we also chose not to establish a state health care exchange (also a part of Obamacare). These actions will help to protect our citizens from potential long-term problems related to Obamacare.
Due to the fact that Obamacare is a federal law, it is important that we elect leaders to federal office who are willing to repeal and restructure the law. This issue is not about politics. It is about addressing problems related to an overreaching federal law that will lead to long-term ramifications on our nation's economy.
Awards and Recognition
It has been an honor to receive the following awards and recognitions related to the 2013 legislative session:
"NC Legislative Freshman Trailblazer" award from the NC Alliance for Public Charter Schools
"Certificate of Appreciation" from the NC Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform
Highest-rated legislator from Guilford County by the NC Free Enterprise Foundation
Highest-rated legislator from Guilford County by the NC Chamber of Commerce
NC Tax and Budget Information
Here is information on North Carolina's new tax rates (which are lower due to tax reform) and budget revenue.
Basic Tax Rates
Personal Income Tax: 5.8% (flat rate)
Corporate Tax: 6%
Sales and Use Tax: 4.75% (average State and Local is 6.75%)
State Gas Tax: 37.5% (capped at this rate)
Estate Tax: Eliminated
Standard Deductions
Single Taxpayer: $7,500
Head of Household: $12,000
Married Filing Jointly: $15,000
Budget Revenue
- General Fund Revenue: $20.1 billion (FY 12-13)
- Public Education: 56%
- Health and Human Services: 24%
- Justice and Public Safety: 11%
- Reserves and Debt Service: 5%
- General Government: 2%
- Natural and Economic Resources: 2%
Reelection 2014
Soon I will be releasing a statement declaring my intentions to seek reelection to the NC House in 2014. It has been an honor to serve in our state legislature, and I hope that our citizens will allow me to continue serving. I would be grateful to have your support of my reelection efforts.
Happy New Year
Let us remember the positive memories of 2013 while looking forward to new opportunities in 2014. Best wishes to you and your family for a prosperous New Year. I hope that all of your goals for the New Year will become a reality.
Quote to Remember
"New Year's Day is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one."
- Brad Paisley
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas
"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
- Charles Dickens
End of Year Report
Within the next few days I will release an update on North Carolina politics. I intended on releasing the update sooner, but I decided to wait until the end of December. As always, I will do my best to keep people updated on public policy issues.
Once again, best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Within the next few days I will release an update on North Carolina politics. I intended on releasing the update sooner, but I decided to wait until the end of December. As always, I will do my best to keep people updated on public policy issues.
Once again, best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving
Now is the time of year to express gratitude for the positive aspects of life. I hope that you will find time to spend with friends and family. Be safe if you travel and have a great Thanksgiving!
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
- President John F. Kennedy
Christmas Parades
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
- President John F. Kennedy
Christmas Parades
Next month I will be participating in two Christmas parades in Guilford County:
Pleasant Garden Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 8th
3:00 PM
Gibsonville Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 14th
2:00 PM
Look for me in my red Ford Mustang, also known as the "Campaign Mobile."
News Updates Coming Soon
In the next week or so I will be releasing an update on public policy issues in North Carolina. I will share some thoughts on topics that are important to our citizens. Also, I would like to provide an update on what to expect in future legislative sessions.
Once again, best wishes for a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Rep. Jon Hardister
NC House District 59
Pleasant Garden Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 8th
3:00 PM
Gibsonville Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 14th
2:00 PM
Look for me in my red Ford Mustang, also known as the "Campaign Mobile."
News Updates Coming Soon
In the next week or so I will be releasing an update on public policy issues in North Carolina. I will share some thoughts on topics that are important to our citizens. Also, I would like to provide an update on what to expect in future legislative sessions.
Once again, best wishes for a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Rep. Jon Hardister
NC House District 59
Friday, November 15, 2013
Congressman Howard Coble
The Rhino Times was gracious enough to print a column that I wrote about Howard Coble's decision to retire from Congress. Below is the full version of my column, as it appears in this week's edition of the Rhino Times:
More Politicians Like Coble Needed
On Thursday, November 7, Howard Coble announced his retirement from Congress. He was first elected in 1984. When he leaves office at the conclusion of his current term, it will mark 30 years (15 consecutive terms) as an elected member of Congress.
There is no way that I can adequately express my admiration for Howard Coble. He has been my congressman for as long as I can remember. I was only two years old when he took office. I am now 31.
Many of us claim that some people stay in elected office for too long. I believe that is often true. But Howard Coble is different. He has dedicated his life to serving his constituents to the best of his ability. Over the years he has proven to have the integrity and sincerity that we need in Washington. I firmly believe that our nation would be better off if we had more people like him in office.
Have I agreed with Howard on every issue? Of course not. There is no elected official with whom you will agree with 100 percent of the time. But I have agreed with the vast majority of his votes in Congress.
Howard is a fiscal conservative. He believes in smaller government, less taxes, and free enterprise. And he has held true to those values the entire duration in which he has served in Washington. As Howard likes to say, he has "brought a sharp pencil to the budget."
But there is more to Howard than his conservative principles. He is perhaps the most genuine individual who you will ever meet. There is absolutely no pretense about him. He treats everyone with dignity and respect.
If it were not for Howard Coble, I would not be in public office today. When I was in college I had the opportunity to work as an intern for Howard in his Greensboro office. This experience is primarily what inspired me to run for public office.
When my time working for Howard was over, I knew one thing for certain: I wanted to run for public office. And I knew that Howard Coble was going to be my role model. I remember thinking to myself, "If I can be halfway as good a public servant as Howard Coble, then I will be doing all right."
There are several important lessons that I learned from Howard. Stay true to your values. Work hard and dedicate yourself to the job. Be accessible to your constituents. Maintain your integrity. Keep an open mind. Be sincere in your actions. Treat people with respect. The list goes on, but these are a few of the important qualities that I observed while working for Howard. They are qualities that I will never forget.
Howard has never been married and he has no children. His life the past 30 years has been dedicated to his duties as a congressman. He has worked hard for us in Washington, but he is always quick to come home when session is out. He enjoys traveling his district and spending time with his constituents. He makes himself available to those whom he has the privilege of representing in Washington.
One notable trait about Howard is his personal frugality. He lives in a modest townhome in Greensboro and has driven the same automobile for over 10 years. He buys clothes on sale and has never lived a lavish lifestyle by any stretch of the imagination. In other words, he lives by the conservative standards that he advocates in public policy.
Then there is Howard's congenial sense of humor. He often enjoys telling jokes or short stories that have a punch line. And his humor is often self-deprecating. Whether he is speaking with someone in private or giving a speech to a large audience, Howard will often interject humor into the conversation. This approach has helped Howard to connect with people on a personal level. It also reminds us that it is important to refrain from taking life too seriously.
An amazing skill that Howard has developed over the years is the ability to remember school mascots. It seems that he has been able to memorize the mascot of every school in his congressional district. This includes elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities. If you have ever met Howard, chances are that he has asked you where you went to school. And chances are he knew the mascot of the school that you attended.
Back when I worked in Howard's Greensboro office, I was stunned by the amount of energy that he had. Although he was in his mid-70s at the time, he had more energy than anyone on his staff. We all had trouble keeping up with him. He kept a full schedule and was constantly on the go. It was amazing to see a man his age display such an impressive amount of stamina.
But the fact is that we are all human and Howard Coble is no different. Howard is now 82 years old and his age is catching up with him. He has been stricken with back problems and other health issues that are slowing him down. His mind is sharp as ever, but his physical condition is beginning to falter.
Although I am sad to see Howard retire, I believe that he is making the right decision. Howard knows that his physical condition is becoming an obstacle in his ability to do his job. If he felt better, he would probably run again. But he clearly doesn't feel well enough to continue a demanding schedule as a member of Congress. There comes a time when we all must move on, and that time has come for Howard Coble.
This does not mean that Howard Coble is going away. I expect that he will remain an active member of our community for many years to come. There are many ways that Howard can stay involved and make a positive difference for our citizens.
When Howard leaves office, he will leave behind a legacy. His legacy will be that of a public servant who performed his duties with dedication and honor. Not only as a member of Congress, but also as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard and as a legislator in the N.C. House.
But Howard will leave behind something more than a legacy. He will leave behind a model of public service to be emulated. People from all walks of life can look at him as an example to follow.
Many of us claim that some people stay in elected office for too long. I believe that is often true. But Howard Coble is different. He has dedicated his life to serving his constituents to the best of his ability. Over the years he has proven to have the integrity and sincerity that we need in Washington. I firmly believe that our nation would be better off if we had more people like him in office.
Have I agreed with Howard on every issue? Of course not. There is no elected official with whom you will agree with 100 percent of the time. But I have agreed with the vast majority of his votes in Congress.
Howard is a fiscal conservative. He believes in smaller government, less taxes, and free enterprise. And he has held true to those values the entire duration in which he has served in Washington. As Howard likes to say, he has "brought a sharp pencil to the budget."
But there is more to Howard than his conservative principles. He is perhaps the most genuine individual who you will ever meet. There is absolutely no pretense about him. He treats everyone with dignity and respect.
If it were not for Howard Coble, I would not be in public office today. When I was in college I had the opportunity to work as an intern for Howard in his Greensboro office. This experience is primarily what inspired me to run for public office.
When my time working for Howard was over, I knew one thing for certain: I wanted to run for public office. And I knew that Howard Coble was going to be my role model. I remember thinking to myself, "If I can be halfway as good a public servant as Howard Coble, then I will be doing all right."
There are several important lessons that I learned from Howard. Stay true to your values. Work hard and dedicate yourself to the job. Be accessible to your constituents. Maintain your integrity. Keep an open mind. Be sincere in your actions. Treat people with respect. The list goes on, but these are a few of the important qualities that I observed while working for Howard. They are qualities that I will never forget.
Howard has never been married and he has no children. His life the past 30 years has been dedicated to his duties as a congressman. He has worked hard for us in Washington, but he is always quick to come home when session is out. He enjoys traveling his district and spending time with his constituents. He makes himself available to those whom he has the privilege of representing in Washington.
One notable trait about Howard is his personal frugality. He lives in a modest townhome in Greensboro and has driven the same automobile for over 10 years. He buys clothes on sale and has never lived a lavish lifestyle by any stretch of the imagination. In other words, he lives by the conservative standards that he advocates in public policy.
Then there is Howard's congenial sense of humor. He often enjoys telling jokes or short stories that have a punch line. And his humor is often self-deprecating. Whether he is speaking with someone in private or giving a speech to a large audience, Howard will often interject humor into the conversation. This approach has helped Howard to connect with people on a personal level. It also reminds us that it is important to refrain from taking life too seriously.
An amazing skill that Howard has developed over the years is the ability to remember school mascots. It seems that he has been able to memorize the mascot of every school in his congressional district. This includes elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities. If you have ever met Howard, chances are that he has asked you where you went to school. And chances are he knew the mascot of the school that you attended.
Back when I worked in Howard's Greensboro office, I was stunned by the amount of energy that he had. Although he was in his mid-70s at the time, he had more energy than anyone on his staff. We all had trouble keeping up with him. He kept a full schedule and was constantly on the go. It was amazing to see a man his age display such an impressive amount of stamina.
But the fact is that we are all human and Howard Coble is no different. Howard is now 82 years old and his age is catching up with him. He has been stricken with back problems and other health issues that are slowing him down. His mind is sharp as ever, but his physical condition is beginning to falter.
Although I am sad to see Howard retire, I believe that he is making the right decision. Howard knows that his physical condition is becoming an obstacle in his ability to do his job. If he felt better, he would probably run again. But he clearly doesn't feel well enough to continue a demanding schedule as a member of Congress. There comes a time when we all must move on, and that time has come for Howard Coble.
This does not mean that Howard Coble is going away. I expect that he will remain an active member of our community for many years to come. There are many ways that Howard can stay involved and make a positive difference for our citizens.
When Howard leaves office, he will leave behind a legacy. His legacy will be that of a public servant who performed his duties with dedication and honor. Not only as a member of Congress, but also as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard and as a legislator in the N.C. House.
But Howard will leave behind something more than a legacy. He will leave behind a model of public service to be emulated. People from all walks of life can look at him as an example to follow.
Thank you, Howard Coble, for serving our community so well. You will be missed for many years to come. And you will never be forgotten.
Copies Are On The Stands
Be sure to pick up a copy of this week's edition of the Rhino Times to see the column in print. It can be found on page 31. It is truly an honor to have this column published in the Rhino Times.
The News & Record was also kind enough to agree to publish this column. It should appear in the News & Record within the next few days (perhaps in this Sunday's edition).
Sincerely,
Jon Hardister
# # #
Copies Are On The Stands
Be sure to pick up a copy of this week's edition of the Rhino Times to see the column in print. It can be found on page 31. It is truly an honor to have this column published in the Rhino Times.
The News & Record was also kind enough to agree to publish this column. It should appear in the News & Record within the next few days (perhaps in this Sunday's edition).
Sincerely,
Jon Hardister
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
2013 Legislative Review
Now that the 2013 legislative session has come to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the progress that was made. With many positive reforms being advanced, I believe that North Carolina is on track to see a brighter future. Here are some of the highlights:
Tax Reform
Reforming our tax code is perhaps the most profound achievement of the year. It had become clear that we needed to reform our tax code in order to make North Carolina more competitive with other states.
North Carolina's tax reform plan will reduce our personal income tax to a flat rate of 5.75 percent; drastically lower the corporate tax; eliminate the estate tax; and modernize our tax code. It will also place a cap on the gas tax.
According to the Washington-based Tax Foundation, this reform will move our state from having the 48th worst tax climate to the 17th best. This is a major step in the right direction, and it will help to attract jobs to North Carolina.
Budget Reform
Another critical area that needed attention was our state budget situation.
Passing a budget that is balanced and responsible; reforming our unemployment insurance system; and requiring lawmakers to seek voter approval before assuming new government debt are all achievements in getting our state finances in order.
Another notable factor in the state budget is the discontinuation of funding for the NC Rural Center, which had been misusing tax dollars.
Regulatory Reform
There were several measures advanced in the General Assembly this year that reduce and streamline government regulations.
Perhaps the most notable regulatory reform measure is a requirement for state regulations to be reviewed on a periodic bases. Under this reform, the Rules Review Commission will be tasked with analyzing state regulations. Rules that are deemed unnecessary would be allowed to expire, which will help to ensure that existing rules are necessary.
On a personal note, I am honored that three of my bills related to regulatory reform were passed into law. HB 610 eases customer service regulations on professional athletic teams; HB 687 provides non-profit homeless shelters with more flexibility in how they operate; and HB 761 streamlines state laws related to the bail bond industry.
Transportation
This year's budget re-writes the state's formula for funding of transportation projects, which will help to direct funding to where it is most needed. This will be done in concert with mandating a data-driven prioritization process, while allowing input from citizens. The General Assembly has also moved forward with efforts to reduce the influence of politics in transportation policy by eliminating named projects from statute.
Education
There have been several innovative measures taken this year to increase the quality of education in North Carolina. Replacing teacher tenure with employment contracts; promoting bonus pay for teachers; strengthening our public charter school system; and increasing pre-K enrollment are steps that have been taken to innovate our education system.
One further education reform worth noting is the establishment of career diplomas for high school students. These diplomas will indicate whether a student is college-ready, career-ready, or both. This will help young people determine what type of career they would like to pursue.
Health Care
Finding ways to streamline our Medicaid system has been a major topic this year. An important step in this process is a provision in the state budget that will allow the executive branch to formulate a comprehensive plan to reform our Medicaid system. The goal is to increase the efficiency of our Medicaid system while reducing the financial burden on our taxpayers.
Also, the General Assembly decided to opt-out of complying with certain provisions of Obamacare, including an expansion of Medicaid and the establishment of a state-run health care exchange.
Voter ID
Legislation to require voters to show photo ID when voting has become law. Implementing these requirements will help to protect the integrity of our elections system. This is a logical way to guard against potential voter fraud, and to promote confidence in how elections are conducted.
Second Amendment
Laws were passed this session that will help to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens who own firearms. Most notably, legislation was passed that will strengthen the rights of citizens who have a conceal-carry permit, while also increasing penalties for criminal misuse of firearms. Steps were also taken to protect the privacy of individuals who have a conceal-carry permit (or a pistol purchase permit).
Public Safety
Additional officers will be added to the Highway Patrol system, while also providing critical funding for fuel, equipment, and training. There will also be an increase in the number of magistrates and parole officers across the state. This will help to ensure that criminal cases are handled as efficiently as possible.
Jordan Lake Rules
Legislation was passed this session that will pause the implementation of future Jordan Lake Rules. This will allow time for a study to determine the long-term effects of the rules, and whether or not they should be re-written. The goal is to find a sensible way to protect the environment while also protecting taxpayer dollars. (The Jordan Lake Rules, if fully-implemented, would impose a significant financial cost on Guilford County.)
North Carolina Moves Forward
There is no quick fix to instantly turn around the economy in North Carolina, but the process has begun. Many positive, pro-economic measures have been advanced in this legislative session. These advancements will help to strengthen our economy and provide more opportunity for our citizens.
It is my true belief that North Carolina's best days have yet to come. My hope is that North Carolina will be a state where government is efficient; there is more opportunity for citizens; and other states look to us as a model for success. When looking back on the recent legislative session, I believe that we are moving in the direction of making that hope a reality.
As always, do not hesitate to contact me with questions or comments. It is an honor to work for you in the NC House.
Quote to Remember
"All of us should remember that the government is not some mysterious institution comprised of buildings, files, and paper. The people are the government. What we create we ought to be able to control."
- President Ronald Reagan
Tax Reform
Reforming our tax code is perhaps the most profound achievement of the year. It had become clear that we needed to reform our tax code in order to make North Carolina more competitive with other states.
North Carolina's tax reform plan will reduce our personal income tax to a flat rate of 5.75 percent; drastically lower the corporate tax; eliminate the estate tax; and modernize our tax code. It will also place a cap on the gas tax.
According to the Washington-based Tax Foundation, this reform will move our state from having the 48th worst tax climate to the 17th best. This is a major step in the right direction, and it will help to attract jobs to North Carolina.
Budget Reform
Another critical area that needed attention was our state budget situation.
Passing a budget that is balanced and responsible; reforming our unemployment insurance system; and requiring lawmakers to seek voter approval before assuming new government debt are all achievements in getting our state finances in order.
Another notable factor in the state budget is the discontinuation of funding for the NC Rural Center, which had been misusing tax dollars.
Regulatory Reform
There were several measures advanced in the General Assembly this year that reduce and streamline government regulations.
Perhaps the most notable regulatory reform measure is a requirement for state regulations to be reviewed on a periodic bases. Under this reform, the Rules Review Commission will be tasked with analyzing state regulations. Rules that are deemed unnecessary would be allowed to expire, which will help to ensure that existing rules are necessary.
On a personal note, I am honored that three of my bills related to regulatory reform were passed into law. HB 610 eases customer service regulations on professional athletic teams; HB 687 provides non-profit homeless shelters with more flexibility in how they operate; and HB 761 streamlines state laws related to the bail bond industry.
Transportation
This year's budget re-writes the state's formula for funding of transportation projects, which will help to direct funding to where it is most needed. This will be done in concert with mandating a data-driven prioritization process, while allowing input from citizens. The General Assembly has also moved forward with efforts to reduce the influence of politics in transportation policy by eliminating named projects from statute.
Education
There have been several innovative measures taken this year to increase the quality of education in North Carolina. Replacing teacher tenure with employment contracts; promoting bonus pay for teachers; strengthening our public charter school system; and increasing pre-K enrollment are steps that have been taken to innovate our education system.
One further education reform worth noting is the establishment of career diplomas for high school students. These diplomas will indicate whether a student is college-ready, career-ready, or both. This will help young people determine what type of career they would like to pursue.
Health Care
Finding ways to streamline our Medicaid system has been a major topic this year. An important step in this process is a provision in the state budget that will allow the executive branch to formulate a comprehensive plan to reform our Medicaid system. The goal is to increase the efficiency of our Medicaid system while reducing the financial burden on our taxpayers.
Also, the General Assembly decided to opt-out of complying with certain provisions of Obamacare, including an expansion of Medicaid and the establishment of a state-run health care exchange.
Voter ID
Legislation to require voters to show photo ID when voting has become law. Implementing these requirements will help to protect the integrity of our elections system. This is a logical way to guard against potential voter fraud, and to promote confidence in how elections are conducted.
Second Amendment
Laws were passed this session that will help to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens who own firearms. Most notably, legislation was passed that will strengthen the rights of citizens who have a conceal-carry permit, while also increasing penalties for criminal misuse of firearms. Steps were also taken to protect the privacy of individuals who have a conceal-carry permit (or a pistol purchase permit).
Public Safety
Additional officers will be added to the Highway Patrol system, while also providing critical funding for fuel, equipment, and training. There will also be an increase in the number of magistrates and parole officers across the state. This will help to ensure that criminal cases are handled as efficiently as possible.
Jordan Lake Rules
Legislation was passed this session that will pause the implementation of future Jordan Lake Rules. This will allow time for a study to determine the long-term effects of the rules, and whether or not they should be re-written. The goal is to find a sensible way to protect the environment while also protecting taxpayer dollars. (The Jordan Lake Rules, if fully-implemented, would impose a significant financial cost on Guilford County.)
North Carolina Moves Forward
There is no quick fix to instantly turn around the economy in North Carolina, but the process has begun. Many positive, pro-economic measures have been advanced in this legislative session. These advancements will help to strengthen our economy and provide more opportunity for our citizens.
It is my true belief that North Carolina's best days have yet to come. My hope is that North Carolina will be a state where government is efficient; there is more opportunity for citizens; and other states look to us as a model for success. When looking back on the recent legislative session, I believe that we are moving in the direction of making that hope a reality.
As always, do not hesitate to contact me with questions or comments. It is an honor to work for you in the NC House.
Quote to Remember
"All of us should remember that the government is not some mysterious institution comprised of buildings, files, and paper. The people are the government. What we create we ought to be able to control."
- President Ronald Reagan
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