It is an exciting time of year here at the General Assembly.
The 2009 Legislative Session has commenced and there are a few things that I am working on that I want you to be aware of and informed on.
Transferring OSHA Oversight
Workplace deaths in our state have risen 25 percent over the past year. The Charlotte Observer chronicled a number of instances where OSHA regulations have been ignored. These are just a few examples indicative of Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry’s neglectfulness in enforcing OSHA regulations. With this in mind, I have proposed a bill that would transfer her authority to run the state Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program to Governor Beverly Perdue. The bill would create a new commission, the Employment Security and Safety Commission, which would oversee OSHA regulations and their implementation.
I feel that this issue is of extreme importance. In times of economic struggle, companies will be looking to cut spending. Often times safety practices and training are among the first things cut from company budgets. It is of the utmost importance that we are diligent with regards to workplace safety in light of the current economic situation. We can ill afford to put our workforce at undue risk in an effort to cut costs.
An Addition to Voter-Owned Elections
I have also proposed a bill that would add the State Treasurer to the list of offices that fall under the Voter-Owned Elections statute. This bill was proposed with the support of the current State Treasurer, Janet Cowell. Voter-Owned Elections are an important step in creating transparency and fairness in how you, the people, are represented. Take for example the Commissioner of Insurance. That office is already included in the statute, and in the most recent election the current Insurance Commissioner took 5 percent of his campaign donations from insurance companies that his office regulates. In the previous election those donations constituted more than 50 percent of the funds raised.
By putting offices under this statute, it lessens the power of interest groups. Once an office is put under the statute, interest groups will no longer be able to fund the elections of the officials who regulate their businesses. This statute removes the opportunity for, or the appearance of, corruption. I felt it important that the State Treasurer’s office should be alleviated of this burden.
2009 District 7 Public Forum
On Friday, January 23rd we held our annual District 7 Public Forum, and it was an overwhelming success. Over 200 people attended the Forum this year. I was very pleased with the turnout, but I was even more pleased with the attendees’ participation in the discourse.
This year’s forum focused on the State’s Budget and how it has been affected by the current economic climate. We were pleased to have Fiscal Analysts speak on a range of budget topics that will be affected, including Education, Health and Human Services, Justice and Public Safety, and the Economy as a whole. We were also pleased to have a representative from Congressman G.K. Butterfield come down and speak on the Federal Budget forecast.
We certainly missed those of you that were unable to join us. I have digital copies of the literature that was distributed at the forum and I will be happy to send those along to anyone who would like them. Please email my office if you would like copies.
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 consider it an honor and a privilege to serve you in the North Carolina General Assembly.
Sincerely,
Doug Berger