Senator Angela Bryant Newsletter


NEWS FROM RALEIGH…

I always welcome your comments, project updates, suggestions, and visits. My office door and electronic door is always open to you!  As always, thank you for your support!

 

NEWSLETTER INDEX

Around the District and More

Events

Awards and Grants

Legislative News

Hear and See Legislative Live Daily

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AROUND THE DISTRICT AND MORE

Halifax Woman of the Year

 

Senator Bryant and Brite Smilz co-founder Evelyn Dawson who

was selected as Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce’s

Woman of the Year.


Local Student Serves as Page in the North Carolina Senate

The North Carolina Senate was honored recently to have  , a student at , serve as a Page.  F is the F of  of Henderson.   was sponsored by Senator   and appointed by the Senate President Pro Tempore, Phil Berger of Rockingham County.

            Statewide high school students in grades 9 through 12 serve as pages when the General Assembly is in session.  They perform valuable duties for the Senators and their office staff.  They attend daily Senate sessions, committee meetings, and assist staff members with office duties during the week they serve in the Legislature.

Jamison states that “my experience this week gave me a wonderful opportunity that I’m sure will help me through my life. Many people have given me speeches that have had an impact on my mind and I know for sure that I will take their words and turn them into actions.

 

Jamison Miles Wiggins and Senator Bryant


EVENTS

  • Meet & Greet with Representative Bobbi Richardson and Senator Bryant– Celebrate their leadership and appreciate their work. Fellowship with your legislators. Get legislative updates. Relax to the sound of jazz music and enjoy dinner by RUBENS. Date: Friday, April 12th, Time: 5:00pm-7:30pm, Location: RUBENS at Tiffany Square Shopping Center, 1232 N. Wesleyan Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC, Contact: Lois Watkins (252) 801-6769 or Doris Williams (252) 314-2821.
  • Legislative Forum Series– Learn what is in store for the new commissioner as he begins the process of oversight for the operations, finances, and stability of our state’s ABC system. Come hear an overview of the I-95 Tolling study and an update on current projects in Edgecombe and Nash Counties. Date: April 11, 2013, Time: 7:30am-9:00am, Location: Holiday Inn-Rocky Mount in the Nash/Edgecombe Room. Sponsored by the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce. Contact: Sonya Smith (252) 535-5767.
  • Pet’s Best Friend New Location Ribbon Cutting & Open HouseDate: April 13, 2013, Time: 12:30pm, Location: 1071 N. Winstead Avenue, Contact: Leawood Chamber of Commerce (913) 498-1514.
  • Regeneration’s 2013 Butterfly Gala Fundraising Dinner-Enjoy dinner and entertainment with all proceeds going to support workforce development programs.  Date: Saturday, April 13, 2013, Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm, Location: Church on the Rise Life Center, 3520 Bishop Rd, Rocky Mount, NC, More Information: Regeneration at (252) 826-3133 or visit www.regnerationdg.org.

·        Litter Sweep 2013Volunteer for the NCDOT Bi-Annual Cleanup Drive by helping pick up trash along the roadways. Date: April 13-21, 2013, For Forms and Information visit: www.ncdot.gov/~littersweep, For questions call 1-800-331-5864.

·        Flamenco Vivo Carlota SantanaDate: April 15th, Time: 11:00am, Location: Warren County Senior Center, Contact: Angelena Kearney-Dunlap (252) 257-3115.

·        William L. Wainwright Prayer Breakfast & Clergy Day at the General Assembly Sponsored by the NC Legislative Black Caucus, honoring the late Rep. William L. Wainwright. Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2013, Time: 8:00am-9:30am (Breakfast at First Baptist Church, 101 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC); 9:30am-3:00pm (Clergy Day), Location: Legislative Bldg. 16 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603, RSVP: By Monday, April 8, 2013 to nclbc@ncleg.net or (919) 715-5723.

·        “Is a Franchise Right for Me?Date: April 16th, Time: 12:00pm, Location: VGCC Henderson, Contact: Angelena Kearney-Dunlap (252) 257-3115.

·        Audio, Video & Picture Editing ClassDate: April 16th, Location: VGCC Henderson, Contact: Angelena Kearney-Dunlap (252) 257-3115.

·        Refresh Leadership Live SimulcastDate: April 17th, Location: VGCC Henderson, Contact: Angelena Kearney-Dunlap (252) 257-3115.

·        Affordable Care Act RoundtableThis roundtable will review health care reform compliance requirements for employers that sponsor group plans. Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2013, Time: 11:30am-1:00pm, Location: Logan’s Roadhouse, 200 Premier Blvd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, Contact: Allen Purser (252) 519-2611, apurser@rvchamber.com.

  • NCCU Health Disparities Conference– Pursuing health equity through translational research and partnership. Sponsored by the Division of Research and economic Development at North Carolina Central University. Date: April 17-19, 2013, Time: 17th-12:00pm-5:00pm, 18th– 8:00am-5:30pm, 19th– 7:30am-1:30pm, Location: Durham Convention Center, 301 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC, More Information: Randy Mounce (919) 530-7404 or rmounce@nccu.edu.
  • Teen Drivers SummitDate: April 20th, Time: 9:00am, Location: Johnston County Community College, Smithfield, NC, Contact: Angelena Kearney-Dunlap (252) 257-3115.

·        The Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce 2013 Business ExpoFocus on shopping local and selling goods and services business to business as well as to the public. Date: Thursday, April 25, 2013, Time: 11:30am-7:00pm, Location: Becker Village Mall, 1620 E. 10th Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, Contact: Sonya Smith (252) 535-5767.

·        The Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce 2013 Spring Job Fair– Easy access to potential employers. Date: Thursday, April 25, 2013, Time: 10:00am-5:00pm, Location: Becker Village Mall, 1620 E. 10th Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, Contact: Ruby Gerald (252) 537-3513, rgerald@rvchamber.com.

·        The Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce 2013 Business Awards Luncheon– Date: Thursday, April 25, 2013, Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm, Location: Becker Village Mall, 1620 E. 10th Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, Contact: Sonya Smith (252) 535-5767.

·        The Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the Expo!-Date: Thursday, April 25, 2013, Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm, Location: Becker Village Mall, 1620 E. 10th Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, Contact: Sonya Smith (252) 535-5767.

·        NC Black SummitDate: April 25-27, 2013, Time: The weekend will kick off Friday, April 26 with the Ralph Campbell, Jr. Leadership Reception from 6:00pm-7:00pm, Location: North Raleigh Hilton, Contact: Bettie Murchison (919) 714-3854 or Brad Thompson (919) 833-6394. Register at www.ncblacksummit.org.

·        Fair Housing WorkshopDate: April 26th, Time: 10:00am-12:00pm, Location: Beckford Drive Henderson, Contact: Angelena Kearney-Dunlap (252) 257-3115.

·        Anne of Green Gables– Lakeland Theatre Company with the Farrington Foundation and Halifax County Arts Council present the play Anne of Green Gables. Date: April 26, 27, 28 and May 2, 3, 4, and 5. Contact: (252) 586-3124 or visit www.lakelandtheatrenc.org.

·        5K Race, Run, Walk, Scott to Benefit Wounded Warrior Project– Date: April 27th, Time: 8:00am registration and 9:00am race, Contact: Sandra (252) 257-1840.

·        The Castaways– Date: April 27th, Location: Warren County Armory Civic Center, Contact: (919) 497-7990 or Inez VFD (252) 333-7482.

·        Warren County Government Celebration 2013– Discover more of what Warren County has to entertain travelers and residents. Date: April 27, 2013, Time: 10:00am-4:00pm, Location: Courthouse Square, 109 S. Main Street, Warrenton, NC, Contact: (252) 257-3114 or edc@warrencountync.org.

·        Warren County Tourism Celebration-Tours start on the Courthouse Square. Date: April 27th, Time: 10:00am, Contact: Economic Development (252) 257-3114.

·        Building the Workforce Development Village-Learn how your organization can become more connected with education and workforce opportunities. Date: April 29, 2013, Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm, Location: Edgecombe Community College – Keihin Auditorium (located inside the Fleming Building (Building H)), Contact: Dr. Kathy Lawson (252) 813-7510 or Cindy Peck (252) 813-6972.

  • The Interrupters: An Educational Video Workshop Series This video series covers a broad range of subjects that affect youth, families and communities, as well as the human service workers who engage them. Sponsored by the Methodist Home for Children In-Home Services Team. Date: April 29, 2013, Time: 5:00pm, Location: Edgecombe Community College (Rocky Mount Campus) Barnes Auditorium, 225 Tarboro Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, More Information: Cynthia Jackson (252) 886-2512 or cjackson@mhfc.org.
  • 2013 Economic Summit Event– Will provide a glimpse of future economic impact on the region. Sponsored by the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce. Date: April 30, 2013, Time: 7:45am-9:45am, Location: Imperial Centre, Contact: Sonya Smith (252) 535-5767.
  • Sustainable IS Profitable– Learn sustainability considerations that can make a difference for your business. Sponsored by the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce. Date: May 1, 2013, Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm, Location: Nomaco’s 3006 Anaconda Road facility in Tarboro, Contact: Sonya Smith (252) 535-5767.
  • Sustaining Services in Tight Times: Saving Dollars Saving Lives- Highlighting strategies for keeping needed services in place during economic downturn. Sponsored by the Carolina Justice Policy Center. Date: Friday, May 3, 2013, Time: 9:00am-4:00pm, Location: William Friday Center, 100 Friday Center Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, More Information: Lao Rubert (919) 682-1149 or lrubert@justicepolicycenter.org.
  • The Fifteenth Annual Defenders of Justice Awards Honoring those who have made significant contributions in the fight against poverty in four areas that reflect the scope of the Justice Center’s work: Grassroots Empowerment, Legislative Advocacy, Litigation, and Policy Research and Advocacy. Date: Thursday, May 9, 2013, Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm, Location: Carolina Club at the UNC Chapel Hill George Watts Hill Alumni Center, Chapel Hill, NC, More Information: Melissa Wiggins (919) 861-2209 or Melissa@ncjustice.org. Sponsored by the North Carolina Justice Center.
  • NC Freedom Monument Reception and Emancipation Proclamation ExhibitionThe Board of the North Carolina Freedom Monument Project has embarked upon an ambitious project to set aside (an art and park) space in North Carolina’s State Capital where generations can meet to discuss our state’s history, and to celebrate and be inspired by symbolic representations of the struggle for freedom among all people. The place will be called “Freedom Grove.”
    • Freedom Celebration Preview ReceptionDate: May 14, 2013, Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm, Location: NC Museum of History, More Information: Dianne Pledger (919) 224-0408 or dpledger@ncfmp.org
    • Freedom Coming Freedom for All- Exhibit OpensDates: May 15-June 16, Location: NC Museum of History, More Information: Dianne Pledger (919) 224-0408 or dpledger@ncfmp.org
    • The Legacy of Freedom SymposiumDate: May 31-June1, Time: 31st-9:00am-4:00pm, 1st-9:00am-12:00pm, Location: NC Museum of History, More Information: Dianne Pledger (919) 224-0408 or dpledger@ncfmp.org
    • Traveling Exhibition Tour-BeginsDates: July 2013-September 2015, Location: NC Museum of History, More Information: Dianne Pledger (919) 224-0408 or dpledger@ncfmp.org
  • Lake Gaston Fabulous 50 Splash– The 50th anniversary celebration of Lake Gaston. Date: May 11-June 23, 2013, More Information at www.osail.org tab SPLASH.
  • Celebrating Our Animal Companions– Date: May 18th, Time: 10:00am, Location: Warren County Animal Ark, Contact: Elma Rae (252) 257-6137 or wcanimalark@co.warren.nc.us.
  • Warren County Customer Service Committee Flea MarketDate: June 1st, Time: 8:00am, Location: Warren County Recreation Complex, Contact: Angelena Kearney-Dunlap (252) 257-3115.
  • Lancaster Show Trip & Dutch Country TourDate: June 17th, Location: Warren County Senior Center, Contact: Sharon Henderson (252) 257-3112.

 


AWARDS & GRANTS

 

Halifax County Summer Recreation Grants– The Recreation Partners Program grant cycle is extended for additional applications for summer youth recreational programs. The program was initiated to help organizations fund special youth engagement summer programs. The funding level is $30,000 only $18,725 has been awarded so far with the maximum grant being $3,000. Applications due at the Halifax County Manager’s office by 5:00pm on Monday, April 15th. For more information call the Halifax County Manager’s office (252) 583-1131.

New NC tax break could save small business owners thousands

Excerpt from News & Observer Report

Click Here for Full Article

 

     Effective Jan. 1, 2012, the law allows sole proprietors and active shareholders of S corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies to deduct up to $50,000 of active net business income on their personal state income tax returns. Many small business owners and self-employed contractors don’t know about the tax break.

 

     The deduction doesn’t apply to passive income, such as certain types of real estate and other investments, income claimed on Form W-2, and owners who aren’t active in the business.

The deduction can be found on the North Carolina individual tax return form D-400 on line 48, which is labeled “Adjustment for net business income that is not considered passive income.”

Small business owners also need to make sure they don’t underestimate or overestimate their income that qualifies for the deduction, tax professionals say. The maximum benefit an individual can receive is about $3,875, and some married couples could claim twice that amount.

Husband and wife S corporation shareholders can claim a net business income deduction of up to $100,000, but still with limits of $50,000 each.

 

     Another tricky area is determining whether the revenue is active or passive, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, particularly when real estate is involved, tax professionals say.

Active and licensed real estate agents who own rental properties would likely be able to deduct related income, while someone else with a full-time job who owns an unrelated limited liability company that leases property may not, Lesemann said.

 

     In general, passive revenue, such as investments and companies in which an owner doesn’t participate, cannot be included in the deducted business income, and passive partners and spouses cannot claim the deduction. The N.C. General Assembly Fiscal Research Division estimated that the tax would cost the state about $336 million in revenue. The division estimated 750,000 tax filers would qualify for the deduction, but only 450,000 would be able to use it due to business losses. Small business owners should consult tax professionals to understand any implications of these changes.

 

     In general, sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations and farming business qualify for the deductions. Passive revenue and shareholders don’t qualify. For more information on the income tax deduction, go to dor.state.nc.us/index.html. For more information on passive and active revenue visit irs.gov.


Excerpts from the NC Justice Center:

Senate Bill 489 -CONSUMER FINANCE BILL: New legislation hikes interest rates, adds fees

North Carolina consumers could be at serious risk, thanks to a new piece of legislation that would hike rates on installment loans and add new fees.

The consumer loan industry is dominated by six out-of-state lenders, which control 70 percent of the North Carolina market. The lenders that would benefit from SB 489 are already profitable, and have been so throughout the lowest periods of the recession.

In North Carolina, current law has a maximum interest rate of 30 percent on certain installment loans, but only on the first $1,000 of the loan balance. The interest rate then drops to 18 percent on the remaining balance. Senate Bill 489 would allow the 30 percent rate to be charged on the first $5,000 of loan balance, and increase the interest rates on larger loans up to $15,000.  Unneccessarily expensive loans are bad for borrowers and bad for the state’s economy.

TAX REFORM: The verdict on the first comprehensive legislation of 2013

Senate Bill 394 would cut the corporate income tax rate and eliminate exemptions and loopholes, expand the sales tax base, and eliminate North Carolina’s current progressive income tax bracket, resulting in a tax cut for most high-income taxpayers and a tax increase for many low-income taxpayers. The changes to the personal income tax represent a significant loss of revenue, and it’s difficult to predict whether changes to the sales and corporate income tax would cover the loss.

The bill, filed by Senators Clodfelter, Hartsell, Jenkins, and Meredith, would create a flat tax rate at 6 percent for the personal income tax, including a zero-percent tax bracket on the first $11,000 of income benefiting all taxpayers. Yet extensive historical data has shown that flattening the personal income tax’s rate structure does not improve economic growth, or aid the tax system in achieving long-term adequacy.

Ultimately, tax cuts are a poor strategy for growth. The current proposal could impact North Carolina’s ability to invest in an educated workforce, safe communities, and sound infrastructure.

MANDATORY DRUG TESTING: Legislation passes Senate Judiciary Committee

The Senate Judiciary Committee gave a favorable report to a bill that would require drug tests on low-income families applying to or receiving aid from Work First Family Assistance before they could receive family assistance, among other vital public services.

Under Senate Bill 594, struggling families who apply for or already receive Work First assistance would lose benefits for an entire year if they failed a single drug test. Suspicion-less drug tests, which are inefficient and expensive, have also been proven as an unconstitutional invasion of privacy in other states that have tried to propose drug testing for applicants and recipients of public benefits. Michigan’s suspicion-less drug testing program was found to be unconstitutional and Georgia has held off implementing its law due to the 11th Circuit Court’s decision to block Florida’s law in February 2013.

Mandatory drug testing is a waste of taxpayer money, not to mention invasive and unnecessary. Research by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism shows that welfare recipients don’t use drugs in greater proportions than the rest of the population. Funds would be better spent on treatment programs for these few individuals and on workforce development programs that can help public assistance recipients transition to self-sufficiency.


Ethics Tips

It is unethical for a legislator to take, promise, or threaten any legislative action for the purpose of influencing or in retaliation for any action regarding State employee hirings, promotions, grievances, or disciplinary actions subject to the State Personnel Act. G.S. 120-86.1.

If you have any questions, please contact the SEI staff at the State Ethics Commission at 919- 715-2071 or by e-mail at SEI@doa.nc.gov.


HEAR AND SEE LEGISLATURE LIVE DAILY

You don’t have to miss the Legislative Session. WRAL will live stream legislative sessions daily on their website.-www. wral.com. Also, please remember that you can listen to some committee meetings and press conferences on the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.net. Once on the site, select “Audio,” and then make your selection – House Chamber, Senate Chamber, Appropriations Committee Room or Press Conference Room.  You can also view the bills I sponsor and co-sponsor from this website address.