August 2016 - NC House Update

There have been notable developments over the last few weeks related to public policy in North Carolina. Here is a quick summary of news that may not have been widely reported in the press.

State Budget Revenue is Strong

New projections from the State Budget Office indicate that North Carolina is expected to have a $425 million revenue surplus, which is above projections from a few months ago. This is due to an increase in employment, stronger economic activity and sound budget policy. You won't hear this reported often in the media, but this is great news for North Carolina.

Business Tax Cuts

Due to strong budget revenue, there will be a reduction in North Carolina's business tax. It will be reduced from 4 percent to 3 percent in January 2017, which is down from 6.9 percent a few years ago. This will increase economic activity, encourage job creation and improve our overall business climate.

Our Economy Continues to Grow

The private sector in North Carolina has added over 300,000 net new jobs since 2013. Our State GDP is among the strongest in the nation, and our rate of job creation has out-paced the national average. The unemployment rate in North Carolina has been reduced to pre-recession levels, indicating that our economic recovery is moving in the right direction.

Supporting Our Veterans

The state legislature has taken action to support veterans in North Carolina. These steps include the creation of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; providing in-state tuition for veterans at North Carolina community colleges and universities; allowing military experience to convert to college credit and professional licensing; and creating Veteran Treatment Courts.

Crowd Funding Becomes Lawful

Governor Pat McCrory recently signed legislation to allow "crowd funding," which is a mechanism for small businesses to raise private capital from non-accredited investors. This levels the playing field for entrepreneurs who find it difficult to access capital from large banks and venture capital funds. It is important to remember that small businesses are the backbone of our economy.

CSX Expands in North Carolina

Officials recently announced that CSX is opening a cargo terminal in Edgecombe County, which will create upwards of 1,500 jobs throughout North Carolina. The company, which transfers cargo between trains and trucks, will invest $160 million in the project. This will have a positive impact on our State's economy.

North Carolina School Rankings Improve

North Carolina has improved 18 spots in Wallet Hub's ranking of education quality. We are now ranked 19th in the country for school quality and safety among all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The study was done using several metrics to study school quality and safety.

The WalletHub report can be found here:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-schools/5335/

North Carolina Scores High with CNBC

CNBC recently ranked North Carolina number five on their annual list of America's Top States for Business. The metrics used to provide these rankings include workforce, cost of doing business, infrastructure, economy, education, quality of life, etc. Although this is a strong score for North Carolina, our goal is to one day reach the top spot.

Enhanced Teacher Pay / Textbook Funding 

This year's budget increases teacher pay by an average of 4.7 percent and enhances funding for textbooks. Teacher pay has increased at a steady pace in North Carolina over the last three years. The average salary for teachers will soon exceed $50,000 per year, and when benefits are included, total compensation will be approximately $65,000 per year.


This graph shows how teacher pay has increased over the last few budget cycles, which was done under Republican control; Republicans took the full majority (House, Senate and Governorship in 2013).


This graph shows how textbook funding has increased steadily over the last few budget cycles. There is more work to do (we need to utilize technology in the classrooms and try to reduce the costs of textbooks), but we are moving in the right direction.

Union Square Campus

It was an honor to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for Union Square Campus in Greensboro. It is a state-of-the-art facility that provides training for health care professionals. NC A&T, UNC-G, GTCC and Cone Health worked as partners in creating the facility. The state legislature provided funding to help complete the campus, which will be an asset for higher education in our community.


This is Pat Danahy, who serves on the Board of Directors for Union Square Campus. He worked hard to make this project become a reality.

Campaign Season Approaches

Our campaign is in full gear as we approach this year's election on November 8th. I would be honored to have your support of my reelection efforts. If you wish to make a donation, you can do so on my website: 

www.jonhardister.com/contribute

Or you can mail a donation to:

Jon Hardister for NC House
P.O. Box 4113
Greensboro, NC 27404

Thank you for your support!

Quote to Remember

"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self."
- Ernest Hemingway

State Budget Update / Happy 4th of July!

We officially adjourned the 2016 legislative session shortly before midnight on July 1st. This concludes our legislative work for the year, unless we are called back for a special session. Otherwise, the legislature will reconvene on January 11th, 2017.

Now that our work is complete for this year, I wanted to provide you with an update on the 2016-17 budget. 

State Budget Details

On July 1st we passed the state budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year. The total amount of the budget is approximately $22.3 billion. 

Here is a statement that I released in response to the passage of this year's budget:

This budget continues to move North Carolina forward as a leader in sound economic policy. Teachers in North Carolina are receiving what may be the largest pay increase of any state in the nation this year. Over the next three years, the average teacher salary in North Carolina will be nearly $55,000. 

We are also cutting taxes for everyone in North Carolina by increasing standard deductions, which will primarily benefit low-to-middle income earners. This will help to strengthen our economy and provide families with more income to invest in their future. There are also policies in the budget that will increase access to college by controlling the cost of tuition. 

This budget places an additional $473 million in our state savings account, brining the total to nearly $1.6 billion. This is revenue that will be used to help support the core functions of our government if there is an emergency, such as a recession or natural disaster. Like many people do in their personal life, it is important for our State to prepare for the future.

Spending is kept within TABOR, which means that it does not exceed the combined growth of population and inflation. This indicates that we are spending at responsible levels and that we are being careful with taxpayer dollars. I would also note that North Carolina is one of only a few states that maintain a AAA credit rating.

The fact that nearly 20 House Democrats joined the Republican majority to pass this budget shows that it is a good bipartisan plan. This is an outstanding budget for the citizens of North Carolina.

Highlights of the State Budget:

Includes a 1.5 percent permanent pay increase and 0.5 percent one-time bonus for state employees; over $80 million for merit-based bonuses; and a 1.6 percent cost of living bonus for retirees.

Invests $190 million in our teachers by providing them with an average 4.7% raise that will bring median teacher salaries to nearly $55,000 - the highest in state history. The budget also increases funding for teaching supplies, textbooks, and technology in the classrooms. 

Prepares for the future by adding an additional $473 million to our state savings account, bringing the total to an all-time high of nearly $1.6 billion. This is money that would be used to operate the state in case of an emergency.

Increases access to college by freezing tuition so that students will pay the same amount for each semester for four years at public universities. It also limits college fee increases to 3 percent per year.  

Allows for a $145 million tax cut by raising the standard deduction for all taxpayers. The first $17,500 will be exempt from taxation for a married couple and the first $8,750 will be exempted for a single filer. This will primarily benefit low-to-middle income earners.

Increases funding for Justice and Public Safety by nearly 4%. Provides funding for a desperately needed airplane used to catch criminals, extradite fugitives, and assist with drug investigations. Allocates $3.5 million to address a backlog of payment to lawyers who have represented indigent clients. 

Prioritizes mental health issues by funding the Governor's Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Abuse with $20 million. The budget also appropriates $20 million from the Dorothea Dix Property Fund to increase the amount of behavioral health beds and to construct new child facility crisis centers.

Protects the environment by providing an additional $8.6 million to the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and $18.8 million for water infrastructure programs. The State will also invest $3 million in new firefighting equipment to protect the land and people of North Carolina.

Supports the State's infrastructure by investing $32 million for new highway projects; $14.8 million for airport development; and $13.7 million for safety updates to our railroad system.

Improves DMV customer service by providing $5 million targeted towards call center responsiveness, which will also help to reduce wait times at DMV offices.

Budget Conferee Appointment

It was an honor to be a budget conferee who helped to achieve a final compromise between the House and Senate. Although I don't expect the media to give the legislature much credit, this is an extremely responsible budget for the citizens of North Carolina. I am proud of the bipartisan work that was done to accomplish this goal. 

Developmental Disability ID Bill 

HB 1033 - ID Card Fee Waiver / Disability - has passed the legislature and has been sent to Governor Pat McCrory for his signature. It is my honor to be the lead sponsor of this bill, which will waive the fee for a government-issued ID for those who have a developmental disability. I am currently in the process of planning a public bill signing with the Governor and families that are impacted by developmental disabilities. 

Happy Independence Day!

I want to take a moment to wish you and your family a happy and safe 4th of July. This will mark the 240th birthday of our great nation. Let us remember those who fought to secure our independence and may we never take our freedom for granted.

Have a great Independence Day weekend!

"Where liberty dwells, there is my country."

- Benjamin Franklin

More Updates Soon

I will be sure to provide you with relevant updates when they become available. As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments or feedback. 

Quote to Remember

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

- Vince Lombardi

Legislative Update - June 2016

There has been a lot of activity taking place at the legislature over the last few weeks. Our goal is to complete our work and pass a budget by the 4th of July. It looks like we are on track to make that happen.

Here is an update on recent activity.

Budget Work Continues

The House and Senate have been working to resolve differences in the state budget. We have agreed on the total amount of spending (approximately $22 billion), but we are still negotiating the final details. It appears that we are very close to reaching an agreement, and I expect we will vote on a final budget in the next few days.

Conference Committee Appointment

It was my honor to be appointed to serve on the conference committee for the state budget. This committee consists of appointments from the Speaker of the House and the Pro Tem of the Senate. Our responsibility is to reconcile differences between the House and Senate as it relates to the budget, and offer a final version for consideration to the full legislature.

State Employment Improves

The Department of Commerce has reported that North Carolina's latest unemployment rate has dropped to 5.1 percent, which shows that our economic recovery continues. This is down from a rate of 5.8 percent a year ago. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, total employment in North Carolina has increased by approximately 460,000 since this time five years ago. Our State has out-paced the national average in job creation over this period of time.

Developmental Disabilities

It is my honor to be the lead sponsor of HB 1033 - ID Card Fee Waiver / Disability - which allows a person with a developmental disability to waive the fee for a government-issued ID. The bill passed the House earlier this week on a unanimous vote and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. The idea for this legislation came from a lady who has a daughter with a developmental disability.

Higher Education Transparency

SB 536 - Students Know Before You Go and Central Residency - is making its way through the legislature. This bill requires the State Education Assistance Authority to provide information about the potential costs, benefits and consequences of obtaining certain degrees from universities and community colleges. This information will help people decide what they want to study and what kind of career they want to pursue.

Supporting Disabled Veterans

Governor Pat McCrory recently signed HB 256 - Handicap Parking / Veterans Plate - which allows disabled veterans to use handicapped parking spaces by displaying a "Partially Disabled Veteran" license plate. This is a simple provision in state law that will provide a reasonable accommodation for brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Overdose Safety

Governor Pat McCrory recently signed SB 734 - Statewide Standing Order / Opioid Antagonist - which increases access to a drug known as naloxone. This is a medication that can be used to save lives when someone is suffering from an opioid overdose. Law enforcement agencies and medical professionals across North Carolina supported the bill.

United Way of Greensboro


It was a pleasure meeting with officials from the United Way of Greensboro. They came to Raleigh to discuss the work they do to support our community.

Supporting Firefighters


It was an honor to meet with firefighters who visited the legislature to discuss issues related to public safety. I have worked with them to promote legislation that will support their profession.

Habitat for Humanity


Habitat for Humanity had a "Hammering Contest" at the state legislature a few weeks ago. The goal was to hammer four nails into board as quickly as possible. I didn't win, but my time of 4.25 seconds wasn't too bad.

More Updates Coming Soon

I will be sure to provide you with more updates when they are available. When the budget is passed, I will provide details and figures related to how funds are appropriated. As always, don't hesitate to contact me with questions, comments or feedback.

Quote to Remember

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
- Mark Twain

Happy Memorial Day / Legislative Update

Best wishes to you and your family for a happy and safe Memorial Day. Let us never forget the brave men and women who offered their life in defense of our great nation. It is their sacrifice that provides us with the freedom and liberty that we enjoy.

NC House Passes Budget

The House passed our version of the budget two weeks ago. It is a responsible budget that keeps spending at a reasonable level while providing more funding for the core services of government. Teachers would receive an average 4.1 percent pay increase as well as bonus pay that would count towards their retirement. Other state employees would receive a 2 percent pay increase along with bonus pay, and state retirees would receive a 1.6 percent COLA increase. Spending is kept within TABOR, which means that growth in spending does not out-pace changes in inflation and population.

The budget passed the House on a strong bipartisan vote of 103-12. It has now gone to the Senate, which is deliberating over the details. The Senate will soon pass the budget back to the House, and then it will likely go to conference, where conferees will be appointed to negotiate a final version.

More Tax Cuts Advanced

The House and Senate are working on a proposal that would increase the standard deduction for all taxpayers. The current standard deduction for a married couple is $15,500 and the standard deduction for an individual filer is $7,750. Current proposals would increase those amounts to $17,500 and $8,750, respectively. This would especially benefit lower-to-middle income earners.

Protecting Firefighters

It was my honor to run an amendment to the budget that added three types of cancer to line of duty death benefits for firefighters. North Carolina is one of only a few states that doesn't provide such benefits for the family of a firefighter who loses his or her life in the line of duty. This is a positive step forward in enhancing benefits for firefighters, who often risk their life to keep us safe.

Supporting Our Aviation Industry

During debate on the budget, there was an amendment offered that would have eliminated a 3 percent tax cut on the sale of air planes and boats above $50,000. If passed, this amendment would have had a negative impact on aviation companies in North Carolina, such as HondaJet. This also would have impacted boating companies that may be looking to locate in North Carolina. I responded by debating the issue and then making a motion to "lay the amendment upon the table," which passed and removed the amendment from consideration.

Unemployment Hits Eight Year Low

North Carolina's mostly recent unemployment rate, 5.4 percent, is the lowest we have had in eight years. Although there is more work to do, this indicates that the economy is continuing to recover. North Carolina has had one of the fastest rates of job-creation over the last few years. Our state GDP is strong and the private sector has been creating jobs faster than the national average.

High Business Rating

North Carolina recently ranked third for business climate in Chief Executive magazine. The magazine claimed that chief executives who "favor pro-growth, low-tax states ranked Texas, Florida and North Carolina as the best states in the U.S. for business." This is good news for our State, but you are unlikely to see this reported in the mainstream media.

Meeting with Constituents


It was an honor to meet with real estate appraisers who visited the legislature to discuss policies related to their industry. I had the privilege of running a regulatory reform bill related to their profession in last year's legislative session.

Meeting with Health Care Professionals


It was a pleasure to visit the staff at Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro. They invited me to tour their facility and learn about their operation model. I am impressed by the services they provide to our community.

Summerfield Founder's Day Parade


Earlier this month I participated in the Founder's Day Parade in Summerfield. This is a patriotic parade that celebrates the founding of the Summerfield community. I had my Ford Mustang decorated for the occasion.

More Updates Coming Soon...

As always, I will do my best to keep you updated on developments at the legislature. Our goal is to complete the current legislative session by the 4th of July holiday. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments.

Quote to Remember

"Today is a day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It's a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It's a day to be with the family and remember."
- President Ronald Reagan's 1986 Memorial Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia

Sincerely,
Rep. Jon Hardister

NC House Update - May 2016

The 2016 legislative session is well underway at the NC General Assembly. We began session on April 15th. There is no set date to adjourn, but we hope to complete our work before the 4th of July holiday.

Here is an update on recent developments.

Supporting People Who Have a Developmental Disability

Last week I filed HB 1033 - ID Card Fee Waiver/Disability - which would waive the fee for a special identification card given to a person with a developmental disability. Currently, people who are legally blind, people who have become disabled, and people who are over the age of 70 are able to obtain a special ID card free-of-charge. This bill, which is supported by The Arc of North Carolina, would add people who have a developmental disability to that category.

Economic Growth in NC

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis, NC has had the fastest growing economy in the nation since 2013. We have experienced a 13.4% increase in the State's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) over the last three years. NC has created more than 275,000 private sector jobs during this time period, which places our growth in job creation above the national average. The private sector has benefited from $4.4 billion in tax relief, fiscal responsibility and various regulatory reform measures.

NC Ties with Texas for the "Prosperity Cup"

Site Selection's annual competition is called the "Prosperity Cup," formerly known as the Competitiveness Award. This year NC tied for first place with Texas. The ranking is based on an index of 10 criteria that measure corporate project activity and business climate attractiveness. As NC Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III expresses, "It's our can-do attitude that shines through. That's an intangible that companies notice about our workforce and mention often."

NC Voter ID Laws

Recently, a federal court upheld NC's common sense photo voter ID law, dismissing all claims in the lawsuit filed by political opponents. In the ruling, the court agreed that, "the changes were based on legitimate and substantial concerns of election integrity and fairness and leave an electoral system that provides generous, fair, and equal opportunity for voters of all races and ages."

State Budget Deliberations Underway

Governor Pat McCrory's budget proposal for the 2016-2017 fiscal year has been released. The next step is for the NC House to pass its version of the budget, which is expected to happen next week. The NC Senate will then proceed to make amendments to the budget and discussions will ensue.

As always, the primary focus of the budget is to adequately fund the core responsibilities of government while ensuring that spending is responsible. We have agreed that there will be no tax or fee increases and that spending levels will be kept within TABOR, which means that spending growth will not out-pace increases in inflation and population. It is likely that public school teachers, public safety personnel and other state employees will see a reasonable pay increase in this year's budget.

Community Involvement with The ARC of Greensboro

It was my honor to participate in an annual event with The ARC of Greensboro called "Dancing on the Diamond." My dancing partner was Addie Sellars. We danced to the tune of Uptown Funk and won first place for "Most Entertaining Dance." The event raised over $11,000 for The ARC of Greensboro, which supports people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

GOPAC Chooses its 2016 Class of "Emerging Leaders"

It is my honor to be chosen to participate in GOPAC's 2016 Class of "Emerging Leaders." I am one of 26 legislators from across the country who have been chosen to attend this conference.

On its website, GOPAC describes its mission as follows:

Since 1978, GOPAC has been a force in America because we realize Republicans must champion the ideas that unite voters around a vision of creating jobs, getting government spending under control, making government more effective, and keeping America safe. This is why Republicans turn to GOPAC for coaching and best practices on effective ways to communicate conservative ideas and solutions.

It is an honor to be chosen by GOPAC to participate in the 2016 Class of Emerging Leaders. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn new ways to enhance government efficiency in North Carolina. I look forward to meeting leaders from across the country and learning from their experience.

School Students Visit the State Capital

These are 4th grade students from Alamance Elementary School. I had the honor of giving them a tour of the legislative building. It is always great to meet with students and explain how the legislative process works.



Industries of the Blind

It was a pleasure to visit the Industries of the Blind in Winston-Salem. I was inspired by the hard work and dedication that was displayed by people who have visual impairment. They produce an impressive amount of goods for the U.S. Military.



Inspiration on the Golf Course

Recently I had the privilege of caddying for my friend Kevin Reinert, who returned to the game of golf after being struck by a car last summer. His return to the game, after suffering serious injuries, is impressive and inspirational. I was honored to be a part of this occasion at Starmount Forest County Club, which was covered by numerous media outlets.



More Updates Soon...

I will be sure to provide more updates as the 2016 legislative session continues. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Quote to Remember

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is always what it takes to sit down and listen."
- Winston Churchill.

Sincerely,
Rep. Jon Hardister

Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Chosen as Emerging Leader by GOPAC

April 22, 2016

For Immediate Release

Raleigh, NC - Today Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) was chosen by GOPAC to be part of their 2016 Class of Emerging Leaders. Hardister is one of 26 legislators who were chosen from across the country to participate in the program.

On its website, GOPAC describes its mission as follows:

Since 1978, GOPAC has been a force in America because we realize Republicans must champion the ideas that unite voters around a vision of creating jobs, getting government spending under control, making government more effective, and keeping America safe. This is why Republicans turn to GOPAC for coaching and best practices on effective ways to communicate conservative ideas and solutions.

GOPAC Chairman David Avella provided the following statement regarding the Emerging Leaders program: "Leaders who can successfully promote conservative principles and ideas are essential to advancing limited, effective government. Our 2016 Class of Emerging Leaders exemplifies the promising state lawmakers who will lead in their legislative chamber and/or run for higher office. Their inclusion in our programs will provide them with guidance and support to be effective legislative and political leaders."

"It is an honor to be chosen by GOPAC to participate in the 2016 Class of Emerging Leaders, "Hardister said. "This will be an excellent opportunity to learn new ways to enhance government efficiency in North Carolina. I look forward to meeting leaders from across the country and learning from their experience."

Here is a link to GOPAC webpage, which details the 2016 Class of Emerging Leaders:

http://www.gopac.org/2016/04/gopac-announces-2016-class-of-emerging-leaders/

Contact:
Rep. Jon Hardister

jonhardister@gmail.com

###

Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Releases Statement On the Passing of Rep. Ralph Johnson

March 16, 2016

For Immediate Release

Greensboro, NC - Today Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) released the following statement on the passing of Rep. Ralph Johnson (D-Guilford):

I am very sad to hear about the passing of Rep. Ralph Johnson. Although we were on different sides of the political aisle, we respected each other and I considered him to be a friend. He was a kind-hearted individual who cared about his constituents. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. We will miss him at the state legislature.
Contact:
Rep. Jon Hardister
jonhardister@gmail.com

###

Christmas & Holiday Greetings

Best wishes to you and your family for a Merry Christmas and a cheerful Holiday Season. I also hope you have a happy and prosperous New Year. Be safe if you travel and enjoy the holidays!

Memorable Christmas Quotes

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."
- President Calvin Coolidge

"Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends."
- Margaret Thatcher

"A good conscience is a continual Christmas."
- Benjamin Franklin

Once again, best wishes to you and your family for a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,
Rep. Jon Hardister

Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Files for Reelection

December 1, 2015

For Immediate Release

Greensboro, NC - Today Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) filed to run for reelection to the NC House. Hardister said that his passion for public service was a primary factor in his decision to seek reelection. He also cited a successful track record of problem solving and providing constituent services as reasons for seeking another term in office.

"It would be an honor to continue serving the citizens of Guilford County," Hardister said. "As a legislator I have focused on solving problems, increasing government efficiency and providing good constituent services. I would be humbled by the opportunity to continue working to move North Carolina in a positive direction."

Hardister has passed numerous bills during his first two terms in office. He has passed bills that reduce regulations on small businesses, protect school choice and enhance child identity protection. He has also supported efforts to reform North Carolina's tax code, control state spending and promote efficiency in government operations.

"North Carolina is now one of the most business-friendly states in the nation," Hardister said. "We have reformed our tax code, kept state debt low and invested responsibly in the core services of government. It is important that we continue working to strengthen our economy and provide citizens with more opportunity to succeed."

In addition to his track record, Hardister cited his work ethic and political independence as attributes to warrant his reelection.

"Although I remain dedicated to conservative principles, I do not make decisions based on partisan politics," Hardister said. "The decisions that I make are based on what I believe is in the best interest of our citizens. I put a lot of effort into this job and I take it very seriously."

Hardister, who was first elected to the NC House in 2012, will be seeking his third term in office.

###

Happy Thanksgiving

Best wishes to you and your family for a healthy, happy and safe Thanksgiving. This is a time to reflect on the positive aspects of life and give thanks to the people who are important to us. I hope you will find time to celebrate with your friends and family.

Be safe if you travel and enjoy the holiday!

Thanksgiving Proclamation - Calvin Coolidge

"The season again approaches when it has been the custom for generations to set apart a day of thanksgiving for the blessings which the giver of all good and perfect gifts has bestowed upon us during the year. It is most becoming that we should do this, for the goodness and mercy of God which have followed us through the year deserve our grateful recognition and acknowledgement."

- An excerpt from President Calvin Coolidge's 1928 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Once again, best wishes to you and your family for a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,
Rep. Jon Hardister

Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Announces Effort to Memorialize Howard Coble

November 7, 2014

For Immediate Release

Greensboro, NC - Today Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) announced his intentions to lead an effort to memorialize Howard Coble. He is working with Guilford County Commissioner Alan Branson on the effort.

Ideas for memorials include the naming of a road, the naming of a bridge, and the installation of a statue in Southeast Guilford County. It is possible that one or all of these ideas could come to fruition.

Hardister said that he would like to raise private money to pay for a statue. Transportation memorials, such as the naming of a highway or bridge, would be funded by taxpayers at a relatively low cost through the N.C. Department of Transportation.

"It is my honor to work on this project," Hardister said. "There are not many people in our community more deserving of a memorial than Howard Coble. He dedicated many years of his life to public service and he is admired by people on both sides of the political aisle."

Hardister said that he will provide more details on the effort as they become available.

Rep. Jon Hardister and Howard Coble in 2014.

Contact:
Rep. Jon Hardister
jonhardister@gmail.com

###

Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Releases Statement on Passing of Howard Coble

November 4, 2015

For Immediate Release

Greensboro, NC - Today Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) released the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Howard Coble:

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to "Our Congressman" Howard Coble. He was a true public servant and a statesman, but most importantly, he was a good friend. I am proud to call him my mentor in politics. He will live forever in our memories and his legacy will stand the test of time. 

When he was a senior at Greensboro College in 2006, Hardister had the opportunity to work as an intern for Howard Coble in his local congressional office. Hardister said that this experience taught him the importance of being accessible and responsive to the needs of constituents. He also said that this experience helped inspire him to run for public office.

###

Contact:
Rep. Jon Hardister
jonhardister@gmail.com

2015 Legislative Review

The 2015 session of the North Carolina General Assembly came to a close on October 1st. We now stand adjourned until April 2016. Now that this year's session has come to an end, I wanted to take a moment to update you on some of the work that has been done.

Good News

Our state legislature has worked hard to be responsible with tax dollars and to increase government efficiency. As a result, we have the 16th lowest debt in the nation and we are one of only 15 states that have a AAA credit rating.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, we rank 10th in the nation for job creation and growth in per-capita income over the last year.

Forbes Magazine recently ranked North Carolina second on their list of "Best States for Business and Careers." We have also received favorable reviews from the Tax Foundation and the Wall Street Journal.

Our goal is to make North Carolina the best place to do business in the country. This will lead to job creation and more opportunity for citizens, which is what we need. As more jobs are created, we will generate the revenue necessary to fund the core services of government such as education, transportation and public safety.

State Budget Update

This year the state legislature passed a responsible budget that funds the core services of government efficiently. The House and Senate were at odds on several portions of the budget, which required a great deal of work to reconcile. We ultimately agreed on a $21.7 billion spending plan for the current fiscal year.

• Here are some highlights:
• Reduces the personal income tax rate to 5.5 percent (maintains flat rate)
• Increases standard tax deductions
• Allows the corporate tax rate to drop to 4 percent
• Reinstates the Medical Tax Deduction
• Reforms various state regulations and promotes transparency
• Increases K-12 education funding by over $400 million
• Increases starting teacher pay by 6 percent
• Funds teacher pay steps, which allows for pay increases
• Preserves funding for all teacher assistant positions
• Preserves funding for Driver's Education
• Enhances pay for Highway Patrol Officers
• Protects Highway Trust Fund revenue
• Continues modernization of the DMV
• Provides a $750 bonus for all state employees
• Provides funds to modernize the judicial system
• Increases funds in the State Savings Account

This is a responsible budget and it was a good compromise between the House and Senate. Spending is kept within TABOR limits, which means it doesn't exceed changes in population or inflation. Although we were not able to secure an increase in base pay for state employees, I am confident that this will be done in next year's legislative session.

In addition to the highlights listed above, we also implemented Medicaid reform. This is intended to make the system more efficient and cost-effective. So far the reforms appear to be working, which is evidenced by the fact that Medicaid came in under its projected budget this year.

Legislative Work

Three bills that I filed this year have become law:

HB 126 - Streamlines laws and provides regulatory relief for small businesses in the mortgage processing/underwriting industry.

HB 607 - Allows parents and guardians to place a security freeze on their child's credit, protecting children from identity theft.

HB 651 - Reduces regulations and financial costs on small business in the real estate appraising industry.

There are other bills that I worked on this year, but these are three that I filed as a primary sponsor. I am honored that these bills have become law.

In Our Community

The best part of my job is having the opportunity to speak with constituents and meet new people. Here are a few photos from when I have been out and about in the community:


Speaking at a ceremony to honor the service of Robert Douglas Junior, who recently turned 103 years old. He is an Eagle Scout, former FBI agent and a licensed attorney. I had the honor of presenting him with a N.C. House Resolution and a flag that was flown over the State Capital.


Meeting with the principle of Aycock Middle School. I visited campus to speak with the students about state government and why they should get involved. They asked good questions about politics and public policy.


It was my honor to sign a "Reviving Downtowns" Proclamation that was made by Governor Pat McCrory. This was done at a press conference in downtown Burlington. We have many historical assets in our State that should be preserved.


With Governor Pat McCrory in a local music shop. The store owner was kind enough to let us play music for a few minutes. McCrory played the drums and I played bass guitar.

Reelection 2016

A few months ago I announced that I will be running for reelection in 2016. I would be honored to have your support of my campaign. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so online at www.jonhardister.com/contribute.

Thank you for your support!

Stay Updated

I will be sure to keep you updated concerning any developments related to the legislature. We are out of session until April of next year, but there is still activity when the legislature is adjourned. As always, don't hesitate to contact me with questions or comments. 

Quote to Remember

"The highest calling of leadership is to unlock the potential of others."

- Carly Fiorina

Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Presides Over House During Budget Debate

For Immediate Release

September 18, 2015

Raleigh, NC - Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) presided over session on the House floor for nearly an hour during debate on the 2015 Appropriations Act on Thursday, September 17, 2015. This marks the first time in which Hardister has presided over session in the House.

"It was an honor to preside over the House during debate on the budget," Hardister said. "It was a great experience and I am humbled by the opportunity."

This was the first time in at least five years in which a member from Guilford County has presided over the House. 

Contact:
Rep. Jon Hardister
jonhardister@gmail.com

###

NC House Update - September 2015

State Budget Extension

The General Assembly passed a Continuing Resolution to extend the budget discussions through September 18th. This means that we are running off of last year's budget while we work to reach an agreement for the current fiscal year. Not only does the Continuing Resolution keep us running on last year's budget (there is no government shutdown), it contained an increase in education funding (to account for growth in enrollment) and a six percent increase in starting pay for teachers.

The state budget is due each year on July 1st. If the budget is not done in time, then the General Assembly can pass a resolution to delay the deadline. Historically, it is not uncommon for the budget deadline to be extended. This is the longest that we have been overdue in more than 10 years, but there have been times when the General Assembly did not complete a budget until November or December.

At this point, we are still engaged in discussions between the House and Senate to reconcile differences in the state budget. Although we have yet to reach an agreement, I believe we are very close to doing so. I am cautiously optimistic that we will reach an agreement within the next few days.

Conferring with Rep. Jay Adams on the House floor before session.

Protecting Child Identity

It is my honor to be a primary sponsor of HB 607 - Allow Protected Consumer Security Freezes - which was signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory last month. The bill, which passed both the House and Senate unanimously, allows parents to freeze their child's credit in order to prevent identify theft, which has become a serious problem for children. The same protections will be allowed for disabled adults who have a legal guardian.

With Rep. Graig Meyer at a press conference on HB 607.

Regulatory Reform Bill Advances

It is my honor to be the lead sponsor of HB 651 - Appraisal Board Record Keeping & Background Checks - which provides regulatory relief for small businesses and independent contractors in the real estate appraisal industry. The bill passed with strong support in both the House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory.

Attending a bill signing with Governor Pat McCrory.

Facts About Public Education Funding

There has been misinformation in the media about state spending on public education. Some people have claimed that the legislature has cut the education budget and reduced spending on public schools, which simply isn't true. We spend 55.9 percent of our state budget on education with an increase of nearly $1.2 billion over the last four years.

Last week I wrote a guest editorial in the Rhino Times to explain what the facts are related to education spending. Click on the link below to see my editorial, which includes graphs to help explain how revenue is spent:

http://jonhardister.blogspot.com/2015/09/public-education-funding-whats-truth.html

Other Issues Under Consideration

Aside from the state budget, there are a few other issues that may or may not be taken up before we adjourn the 2015 legislative session. These issues include Medicaid reform; the Connect NC Bond; economic incentives; and changes in the local sales tax distribution formula. As of now, it is uncertain as to whether we will vote on these topics this year or wait until next year's legislative session.

2016 Presidential Race

There has been a lot of focus lately on the Republican presidential primary. Personally, I believe we have a strong field of contenders on the Republican side. It will be fascinating to see what happens in the race over the next few months.

We need a president who is willing to work hard and remain dedicated to solving the major problems that are facing our nation, such as the national debt, excessive regulations, and a frivolous tax code.

On the Democratic side, it looks like Hillary Clinton is in trouble. She is under investigation for misuse of her private email server while she was Secretary of State, which has become a serious liability for her campaign. As of now, it seems likely that Vice President Joe Biden will enter the race. Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-proclaimed socialist, has been gaining traction in some of the early primary states.

Move Presidential Primaries to March 15th?

There has been an effort in the legislature to move the presidential primary in North Carolina to March 15th, which will allow our citizens to have more input in the presidential primary process (it would be in effect for the 2016 elections). The bill that would make these changes is currently in conference committee between the House and Senate. The major question is if the regular primaries (congressional, state and local offices) will remain in May, or be moved up to join the presidential primaries in March.

Happy Labor Day

Here's hoping that you and your family had a happy and safe Labor Day. I hope you had a fun and relaxing holiday!

More Updates Soon

That's it for now. I will provide more updates in the near future. As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Quote to Remember

"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it."
- Margaret Thatcher

Sincerely,
Rep. Jon Hardister

Public Education Funding: What's The Truth?

There has been a fair amount of misinformation in the media about public education policy in North Carolina. Honest disagreement on policy is good and should be welcomed by everyone. But false, baseless attacks are unfair to our citizens.

Case in point: The editorial column published in the News & Record on Sunday, August 23, “The War on Public Education,” by James Hogan, a former teacher.

In this piece, Mr. Hogan asserted that public education spending comprises only one-third of the state budget. He said, “Public education, including higher education, consumes about a third of North Carolina’s budget.” Not only is this statement inaccurate, it is irresponsible.

The truth is that public education comprises 55.9 percent of the state budget. That breaks down to 38.5 percent being allocated to K-12 education with the rest going to community colleges and the UNC system. Either Mr. Hogan didn’t do his homework on the state budget, or he is deliberately misleading the public.

Despite this and other inaccuracies, Mr. Hogan’s column received widespread coverage. In addition to the News & Record, it was also published in the Washington Post and on several popular education websites. It is unfortunate that the misinformation in this article was not corrected before it proliferated in the media.

To their credit, the News & Record ran a correction in the Tuesday, August 25 edition of the paper.

The overarching problem is that the public has a right to know what the facts are, especially as it relates to how their tax dollars are spent. It is perfectly fine to disagree on policy decisions, but it is wrong to spread false information in order to promote a point of view.

Not only did Mr. Hogan’s article contain false information on the state budget, it was full of sensational claims that are not based in reality. He accused the state legislature of embarking on a “war against public education” and “taking aim at teachers.” Statements like that are irresponsible and inflammatory.

Here are a few important facts related to public education in North Carolina:

• There are three sources of funding for public education – federal, state and local. When it comes to education funding as a percentage of the state budget, North Carolina ranks among the highest in the nation. In most other states, local governments fund education at a higher level than they do in North Carolina. As mentioned earlier, over half of our state budget is allocated to public education.

• The former Democratic majority in North Carolina cut the education budget in fiscal years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Republicans took control of the legislature in 2011 and we have increased education spending every year since. In fact, education spending has increased by over $1.2 billion since Republicans took the majority in North Carolina.

• The legislature provided teachers with a pay increase in 2014 and reinstated teacher pay steps, which were frozen by Democrats in 2009. Starting pay for teachers was increased by 7 percent in 2014 with another 6 percent increase planned for this year. Our long-term goal is for teachers in North Carolina to be among the best paid in the nation.

When you consider these facts, it is irrational to conclude that there is a “war on public education.” If that were the case, would we spend over half of the state budget on education and increase funding several years in a row? That would make no sense whatsoever.

The real war on education is when people like Mr. Hogan make false, outlandish claims, such as accusing the state legislature of cutting “budgets to the bone” and “dealing a devastating blow to public school.” Such statements do nothing but create confusion and make it difficult to have a serious conversation.

Our legislative leadership and Gov. Pat McCrory care deeply about public education, and we are committed to building and maintaining a strong education system. It is unfortunate that our political detractors often resort to attacks, misinformation and scare tactics in order to promote their political agenda. Our citizens deserve better than that.

Note: Below I have provided charts that support the information in this article.

This chart shows where the public education budget was cut in FY 2009-10 and FY 2010-11 (when Democrats were in the majority), but has increased every year since.

This pie graph, which was created by the NC General Assembly's Fiscal Research Division, confirms that education spending comprises 55.9 percent of the state budget.

The chart below, which came from NC DPI, shows that 62.1 percent of education funds come from the state. Note that North Carolina ranks 9th in the nation for education spending as a percentage of the state budget. This is down from 5th, but still very respectable.

Finally, the graph below shows where teacher pay was raised in 2014 along with the reinstating of a pay step system. Starting pay was increased from $30,800 to $33,000 (a seven percent increase) but this year it will be increased to $35,000 (which is an additional six percent increase). This is just the start; our goal is to continue increasing teacher pay until we have among the best paid teachers in the nation. 

Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Passes Consumer Protection Bill

August 12, 2015

For Immediate Release

Raleigh, NC - Today Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) held a press conference along with Rep. Graig Meyer (D-Orange) to discuss the importance of HB 607 - Allow Protected Consumer Security Freezes - which was recently signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory. Reps. Hardister and Meyer are the primary sponsors of the bill.

The bill is designed to prevent identity theft for children and disabled adults who have a limited ability to monitor their own credit. It would allow the parent or legal guardian of a minor (under 16 years of age) to freeze a child's credit to prevent loans or services (such as a credit card account) from being approved in the child's name. The same protections would be allowed for an adult who has a legal guardian, such as someone who is disabled or incapacitated.

This would extend the general procedures that are in place for an individual "consumer" through the Identify Theft Protection Act of 2005 to children and disabled adults.

"This bill addresses a serious problem related to the identity theft of children and adults who are disabled," Hardister said. "Children are especially at-risk of identity theft because it can take a while to detect the crime. There have been cases when a parent did not realize that their child's identity was stolen until years after the crime occurred."

Hardister also said that the problem related to child identity theft has gotten worse due to advancements in computer technology.

The bill passed both the House and Senate on a unanimous vote.

"This is a good, bipartisan bill that provides a reasonable way for children and disabled adults to protect their identity," Hardister said. "The passage of this bill allows millions of citizens a new safeguard to protect themselves from fraud."

Contact:
Rep. Jon Hardister
jonhardister@gmail.com

Rep. Graig Meyer (left) and Rep. Jon Hardister speaking at press conference.

###

NC House Update - August 2015

The 2015 session of the NC General Assembly is underway as we enter the month of August. We are working to finalize the state budget and to pass legislation before the session adjourns. There is no set date for adjournment, but we hope to be out of session within the next few weeks.

Finalizing the State Budget

The House and Senate have appointed conferees to work out differences in the budget (I am honored to be appointed as a conferee on the House side). There are a few disparities that we are working to resolve, such as funding for teacher assistants; driver's education funding; Medicaid reform; changes to the state tax code; and changes to the local sales tax redistribution.

It is normal for the House and Senate to have disagreements when it comes to the state budget. When you are dealing with a multi-billion dollar spending plan, legislators are not going to agree on every detail. Our goal is to reconcile our differences and pass a balanced budget that spends taxpayer dollars responsibly.

Completing Committee Work

House and Senate committees are completing their work as we approach the end of session this year. We are working to move bills before the session adjourns. Although a lot of focus is on the state budget, there are numerous bills that are still being considered.

Regulatory Reform Bill

HB 651 - Appraisal Board Recordkeeping and Background Checks - passed the legislature last week and will soon be signed by Governor Pat McCrory. This is a regulatory reform bill that provides relief for small businesses and independent contractors. I am honored to be the lead sponsor of this bill and I am pleased that it passed the legislature with strong bipartisan support.

Note: I have another regulatory reform bill (HB 126 - Mortgage Origination Support Registration) that is currently under consideration in the Senate.

When I ran for office, I cited regulatory reform as a top priority. This is an issue that I will continue to focus on in the legislature. We need to maintain a sound business environment in order to create jobs and grow the economy.

Presidential Primary Moves to March

The North Carolina presidential primary has been moved to March 15th. This was done in order to give us a seat at the table in the presidential primary process. Currently, the presidential primaries are often decided by the time North Carolina holds its primary, which is in May. By moving the presidential primary to March, our citizens will now have an influence as to who the political parties choose to be their presidential nominee.

Connect NC Bond

Governor Pat McCrory is traveling the state to promote his "Connect NC" bond, which would be a roughly $1.5 billion general obligation bond to provide funding for transportation projects. We have not had a general obligation bond since the year 2000 and interest rates are currently low, which means it may not be a bad time to consider this proposal. The legislature is working to see if we can come up with a responsible plan. Any general obligation bond the legislature proposes would have to be approved by voters on a statewide ballot.

Award Recognition

It was an honor to receive the "2015 Charter Champion Award" from the NC Association of Public Charter Schools. This award was in recognition of work that I have done to help support our public charter school system. My belief is that we should support all areas of public education and provide children with more opportunities to learn. 

Historic Gibsonville Caboose Dedication

Earlier this month I had the honor of participating in a ribbon cutting for the historic railroad caboose in Gibsonville. The caboose symbolizes the history of Gibsonvile, which derives its name from Joseph Gibson, who was involved in expanding the railroad system in North Carolina. The caboose also reminds us of the important role that transportation plays in driving economic development. 

More Updates Soon

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the end of session. Meanwhile, don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. I hope you are having an excellent summer.

Quote to Remember

"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary."
- Vince Lombardi

Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Passes Regulatory Reform Bill

July 30, 2015

For Immediate Release

Raleigh, NC - Today Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) passed HB 651 - Appraisal Board Recordkeeping and Background Checks - which provides regulatory relief for the real estate appraisal industry.

The bill eliminates the discovery rule for civil action related to real estate appraisals and establishes a five year statute of limitations, which puts North Carolina in line with the United States Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. This will reduce insurance and compliance costs for real estate appraisers, many of which are small businesses and independent contractors.

The bill would also eliminate the necessity for real estate appraisers to submit a separate background check to each AMC they work for. Instead, real estate appraisers would be able to cycle a single up-to-date background check to each AMC. This would streamline the background check process and reduce costs on those who work in the industry.

"This bill provides regulatory relief for small businesses," Hardister said. "It is a good, bipartisan bill that makes sensible changes to laws regulating the real estate appraisal industry. This bill will reduce costs on small businesses and independent contractors across the state."

Hardister expressed thanks to his primary co-sponsors of the bill; Rep. John Szoka (R-Cumberland) and Rep. Brian Turner (D-Buncombe). He also noted that the bill passed with strong bipartisan votes in both the House and Senate chambers.

"It is great to see a comprehensive regulatory reform bill receive strong bipartisan support," Hardister said. "I am honored to be the lead sponsor of this bill."

The bill was supported by the NC Real Estate Appraisers Association and the NC Chapter of the Appraisal Institute.

Contact:
Rep. Jon Hardister
jonhardister@gmail.com

###

Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Will Replace American Flag Stolen From Gibsonville

May 19, 2015

For Immediate Release

Gibsonville, NC - Today Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) announced that he will order a replacement for the American flag that was recently stolen from the Gibsonville Police Department. The American flag was being flown at half-staff in honor of National Peace Officer Memorial Day when it was stolen.

Hardister announced that he will order an American flag to be flown over the N.C. Capital in honor of the Gibsonville Police Department.

"It is hard to imagine how someone could commit such an offensive crime," Hardister said. "Whoever stole that flag should return it and seek forgiveness for their behavior. The purpose of ordering the replacement flag is to show solidarity against crime and to honor the work of the Gibsonville Police Department."

Hardister said that he will present the new flag to the Gibsonville Police Department as soon as possible.

Contact:
Rep. Jon Hardister
jonhardister@gmail.com

###