First, please allow me to thank the citizens of the 7th District for giving me an opportunity to serve a third term as your senator.
The deteriorating economy presents many challenges for the days ahead, challenges that mirror the severity of our national problems.
Presidential Inauguration: 2009
I served as a delegate for President-elect Barack Obama at the national convention and campaigned for him during my own re-election bid. My office has been bombarded with requests to the January 2009 presidential inauguration ceremony. Invitations for the inauguration, including one for myself, are available only through US Congressmen and US Senators. You may contact them as follows:
Attending an inauguration can be an experience of a lifetime. In 1992, in addition to serving as a Clinton delegate to the national convention, I attended the inauguration of President Clinton, accompanied by my daughter Celia on a round trip bus ride to Washington, DC. North Carolina legends Reverend Billy Graham and poet Maya Angelou participated in the ceremonies. When we returned the next day, Celia learned that her 4th grade classmates had seen both of us on national TV in a close-up during the ceremony. A Youngsville Elementary School teacher gave us a copy of the close-up. That trip was organized by our new Chief District Court Judge Dan Finch, who entertained everyone with his well known humor.
Getting Ready
The 2009-2010 Session of the General Assembly will convene on January 28, 2009. I serve on a number of committees examining issues and developing proposals for legislation. The following is a short overview of the activities of each of these committees:
Joint Select Committee on Local Social Services Issues
Senator Marc Basnight appointed me to serve as co-chairperson of this committee. Franklin County DSS Director Nikki Griffin specifically requested that I serve in this capacity. She is a vice-chairperson of the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services.
The Social Services Directors requested that the General Assembly examine some of the problems confronting this agency at the county level. Caseloads are exploding while the number of administrative personnel has largely remained stagnant across the State. Recruitment and retention of qualified child protection workers continue to be problematic, particularly in rural communities.
The committee is finalizing recommendations that will likely include proposals to keep funding on track for technological advancements that will reduce the amount of duplicative paperwork as well as the establishment of a community college degree program to help establish a pool of applicants fully prepared to serve from the initial hire date.
Joint Select Committee on Mandatory Boating Safety Education
Representative Michael Wray and Senator Ed Jones are co-chairing this committee. This committee was established as a result of support from the Lake Gaston Association. Pete Deschenes, who is a member of the Lake Gaston Association, serves on this committee.
We are examining the feasibility of mandatory boating education for adults in North Carolina. Our State has a relatively high number of boating deaths each year. States that have adopted mandatory boating education have seen a meaningful decline in the number of deaths resulting from boating accidents. Coastal representatives on the committee have expressed reservations concerning adoption of mandatory requirements with regard to the operation of boats on public waterways. Final recommendations have not been made.
Joint Select Commission on Hospital Infection Control
Senator Bill Purcell and Representative Martha Alexander are co-chairing this committee. Representative Lucy Allen and I are the only other legislators on the committee. This committee is examining what, if any, requirements should be established with regard to reporting infections that occur in hospitals. Hospital representatives on the committee have cautioned that any requirements will increase the need for personnel to collect the information. Consumer advocates on the committee have expressed an interest in strong reporting laws.
Joint Legislative Commission on Impact of Hurricanes on Insurance Industry
Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand and House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman co-chair this committee. There is an impending crisis in availability of property insurance on the coast of North Carolina as companies are declining to sell homeowners insurance to these communities in the private market.
In lieu of the private market, a homeowner on the beach can purchase coverage through a plan funded by assessments on all insurance companies that sell homeowners’ insurance. Insurance industry representatives are concerned by the increased liabilities that exist for all companies being assessed under this legislatively created plan. Coastal representatives are seeking to spread the cost of coastal homeowners’ insurance to all homeowners across the state.
Insurance Commissioner-elect Wayne Goodwin recently announced that his first priority of business will be to make recommendations on how to address these problems. Our committee’s recommendations will follow shortly afterwards.
As always, I welcome your comments, suggestions, and any input you can provide. By working together, we can find solutions to problems facing us every day. I do consider it a privilege to serve you in the North Carolina General Assembly.