Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Files Bill to Extend Legislative Terms to Four Years

March 12, 2015

For Immediate Release

Raleigh, NC - Earlier this week Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) filed HB 180 - Legislative 4-Year Terms - along with Rep. Harry Warren (R-Rowan), Rep. Chris Malone (R-Wake), and Rep. Rick Glazier (D-Cumberland).

The bill would offer an amendment to the NC Constitution that would extend legislative terms to four years and institute term limits for leadership positions. The Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate could not serve in those positions for more than two consecutive regular sessions of the General Assembly. If the bill passes, it would be submitted to voters for approval as a constitutional amendment on the general election ballot in November 2016.

"Extending legislative terms to four years would allow legislators more time to focus on their service to the public," Hardister said. "As of now, members of the legislature spend nearly half of their time running for office. This requires us to spend a considerable amount of time raising campaign funds, which makes it difficult to focus on governing."

As for terms limits for leadership positions, Hardister said that it makes sense to limit power where it is most concentrated. "Most of the power in the legislature is vested in the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Therefore, it makes sense to place limits on how long an individual can serve in those positions."

Hardister also indicated that he is open to ideas on how to amend the bill as it moves through the legislative process.

"This is simply an idea on how to make our government better," Hardister said. "I am open to ideas on how to improve this legislation. I look forward to discussing it with constituents and also with fellow legislators."

Contact:

Rep. Jon Hardister

jonhardister@gmail.com

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Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Releases Statement on Governor McCrory's Proposed Budget

March 10, 2015

For Immediate Release

Raleigh, NC - Today Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) released the following statement regarding Governor Pat McCrory's budget proposal:

"I'm still looking over the details, but overall, I think the governor's budget looks good. It doesn't raise taxes, it keeps spending growth below inflation and population, and it provides an increase in base pay for teachers. Having said that, I still need to study the details and determine if we are able to make any improvements. Our focus should be on passing a budget that is fiscally responsible and funds the core services of government. We also need to be sure that we keep our debt low and maintain our Triple A bond rating. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to pass a budget that accomplishes these goals."

Contact:
Rep. Jon Hardister
jonhardister@gmail.com

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Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Files Bill to Reinstate Historic Preservation Tax Credits

March 7, 2015

For Immediate Release

Raleigh, NC - Earlier this week Rep. Jon Hardister filed HB 152 - New Historic Preservation Tax Credit - along with Rep. Steve Ross (R-Alamance), David Lewis (R-Harnett) and Rep. Rick Glazier (D-Cumberland).

The bill would reinstate portions of North Carolina's historic preservation tax credits, which expired last year. It would allow a 15 percent credit for qualifying projects under $10 million, and a 10 percent credit for projects between $10 million and $20 million. There would be an additional 5 percent credit for projects in counties that are categorized as poor.

"The purpose of this bill is to generate economic investment and create jobs while preserving our history in North Carolina," Hardister said. "As a fiscal conservative, I am not a fan of tax credits, but I believe this tax credit plays an important role in our economy. It is appropriate for the government to promote historical preservation, especially when it increases property value and encourages economic investment."

Governor Pat McCrory and Lt. Governor Dan Forest have also expressed support for reinstating the historic preservation tax credits. In his 2015 State of the State address, Governor McCrory said, "We have got to pass the historic preservation tax credits. Now is not the time to pull the plug on a strategy that has created new jobs and new investment, and revived small towns throughout North Carolina."

Hardister pointed out that President Ronald Reagan was a supporter of historical preservation tax credits. "President Reagan was a free market conservative, but he understood the virtue of allowing tax credits for historic preservation projects," Hardister said. "He supported these tax credits during his tenure as president."

Contact:
jonhardister@gmail.com

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Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Files Legislation to Streamline Oversight of Independent Mortgage Processors and Underwriters

March 5, 2015

For Immediate Release

Raleigh, NC - Earlier this week Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) filed HB 126 - Mortgage Origination Support Registrants - along with Rep. John Szoka (R-Cumberland) Rep. Graig Meyer (D-Orange) and Rep. Steve Ross (R-Alamance).

HB 126 would create a new registration system for mortgage processors and underwriters who work do contract work for lenders and brokers. The bill would ensure that North Carolina is in compliance with federal law, which requires state governments to provide basic oversight of independent mortgage underwriters and processors. Absent of this bill, independent mortgage processors and underwriters would be required to register as a mortgage broker or lender, even though they do not transact loans.

"This bill creates a simple oversight system for independent mortgage processors and underwriters,” Hardister said. “It is important that we provide basic oversight of our mortgage support system while ensuring that our laws are business-friendly. This bill would help to accomplish that goal."

The NC Commissioner of Banks office worked with Rep. Hardister in writing this legislation.

Contact:
Rep. Jon Hardister
jonhardister@gmail.com

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Press Release: Rep. Jon Hardister Files "Honest Lottery" Act

February 26, 2015

For Immediate Release

Raleigh, NC - This week Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) filed HB 109 - Lottery Act Clarified - along with Rep. Paul Stam (R-Wake) and Rep. Rick Glazier (D-Cumberland). The bill would require state lottery ads to be more clear and promote transparency in lottery operations.

The highlights of the bill are as follows:

• Requires lottery advertising to list the value of the lowest prize and the odds of winning the largest prize.

• Prohibits lottery advertising at high school events.

• Requires state agencies to disclose receipts and usage of lottery proceeds.

• Requires the state legislature to approve gaming techniques that are not scratch-off or draw-style games.

"The purpose of this bill is to ensure that the lottery is authentic and transparent in how it operates," Hardister said. "If we are going to have a state lottery, then we have a duty to ensure that it is operated responsibly. This bill would help to accomplish that goal."

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Happy Holidays Update

Please accept my best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year. I hope you have plans to spend time with family and friends as we observe the holidays. Be safe if you travel and enjoy the season.

In the words of Charles Dickens, "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

Swearing-in Ceremony

There will be a swearing-in ceremony for members of the Guilford County Legislative Delegation on January 7th, which I will be participating in. It will be held at 6:00 PM at Blandwood Mansion in Greensboro. Please feel free to join us for the occasion; the event is open to the public.

2015 Legislative Schedule

The NC General Assembly will convene for "Opening Day" on January 14th. This is the day in which we will officially elect our legislative leadership; adopt the rules of the legislature; and all members of the NC General Assembly will be sworn-in to office. We will then recess and reconvene to begin work on January 28th.

Looking Ahead

Our goals in the 2015 Legislative Session will be to continuing improving our economic climate; strengthen public education; increase government efficiency; and ensure that tax dollars are spent responsibly. We will work to accomplish these goals in a bipartisan fashion. Securing a brighter future for North Carolina is not a partisan issue; it is a matter of doing what is in the best interest of our citizens.

My Door Is Open

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns about public policy. I greatly value any input that you may have to offer on issues related to our state government.

Quote to Remember

"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

Thanksgiving Holiday Update

As we pause to observe the Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to take a moment to provide a legislative update.

NC House Leadership

The NC House Republican Caucus recently met to select our leadership for the 2015-16 legislative session. Here is the new leadership team that we selected:

Speaker of the House: Tim Moore
Speaker Pro Tem: Skip Stam
Majority Leader: Mike Hager
Majority Whip: John Bell
Conference Leader: Charles Jeter
Deputy Majority Leader: Marilyn Avila
Joint Caucus Leader: Pat Hurley

These nominations will be made official when the NC House convenes on January 14th for the Opening Day of the 2015-16 legislative session.

Republicans Retain Majority

Republicans were able to defend the legislative majority in both the NC House and Senate in the 2014 elections cycle. In the NC House, Republicans had a net loss of three seats, resulting in a 74-46 majority. In the NC Senate, Republicans gained one seat, resulting in a 34-16 majority.

Lottery Oversight Committee

Earlier this month I was appointed by NC House Speaker Thom Tillis to serve as an advisory member of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the NC Lottery. I am honored to receive this appointment. My goal on this committee will be to ensure that the advertising practices of the lottery are non-deceptive, and that the generated revenue is allocated exclusively to public education.

Economy Shows Improvement

The latest jobs report shows that North Carolina's unemployment rate has dropped to 6.3 percent in October, which is down from 6.7 percent in September. Approximately 17,000 new jobs were added in that time period. There is still work to do, but the data suggests that we are moving in the right direction in terms of job creation.

Honored to Serve

Recently I received a certificate from the Guilford County Board of Elections certifying my reelection to the NC House. It is an honor to serve as the Representative for NC House District 59. I am grateful for every person who supported my campaign, and I appreciate each vote that was cast in favor of my reelection. I will continue to do this job to the best of my ability.

Legislative Schedule

The NC General Assembly will convene for Opening Day on January 14th, 2015, which is when we will officially elect our leadership and adopt the rules of the legislature. This is also the day in which each member of the legislature will take the oath of office. We will then recess and reconvene on January 28th, when we will begin work for the 2015-16 legislative session.

Immigration Reform

President Obama overstepped his bounds when he issued an executive order to reform our immigration system. Domestic policy of this nature should not be dictated by the executive branch; it should originate in the U.S. Congress. The newly-elected Republican majority in the U.S. House and Senate (which will be seated in January 2015) should be given a chance to take office and offer an immigration reform plan.

This is not a partisan issue; it is a matter of enforcing our laws and establishing an immigration system that is fair and efficient.

Christmas Parades

There are two Christmas Parades that I will be participating in this year:

Pleasant Garden Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 7th
3:00 PM

Gibsonville Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 13th
2:00 PM

As always, I am looking forward to participating in these parades. I will be driving my red Ford Mustang, which will be decorated for the occasion.

Happy Thanksgiving

Best wishes to you and your family for a happy Thanksgiving. I hope that you will join me in giving thanks for the blessing of freedom that we enjoy in America. Be safe if you travel and have a great holiday!

Quote to Remember

"All across America, we gather this week with the people we love to give thanks to God for the blessings in our lives. We are grateful for our freedom, grateful for our families and friends, and grateful for the many gifts of America."

President George W. Bush
2004 Thanksgiving Proclamation