Greetings from Raleigh !

As many of you know, state legislators returned to Raleigh two weeks ago to begin the 2008 "short session" of the General Assembly.

During this session, we will be looking at a number of important priorities from strengthening the economy and training our workforce, investing in education and health care, and funding other critical needs for our state – while making sure we remain fiscally responsible.

Public Safety:  Cracking Down on Gangs

In our first major legislation of the year, the Senate last week passed tougher penalties for street gang-related crimes ( H274 ) and prevention measures to stop young people from joining gangs ( S1358 ).

If signed into law, these bills will:

· Make it a felony to participate in criminal gang activity, and increase penalties for those who commit crimes while engaged in gang activity.

· Increase penalties for those using a deadly weapon during criminal gang activity.

· Criminalize recruitment of gang members.

· Support community-based delinquency, substance abuse, and gang prevention strategies and programs and continue to fund gang prevention grants.

· Review state and local efforts in preventing gangs and addressing the needs of juveniles who have been identified as being associated with gang activity.

I co-sponsored and strongly supported these new safety and prevention efforts to tackle our state's growing gang problem with comprehensive prevention and intervention measures.

Tribute to History

Last Thursday, the General Assembly met in Greensboro on the campus of NC A&T State University to celebrate the city's bicentennial.  I was pleased to attend this historic session – only the third time both chambers of the legislature have convened outside Raleigh – in which we saluted the important role that Greensboro has played in our state's history.  We also adopted a resolution honoring the bicentennial of Haywood County ( HJR2274 ).

The Economy:  Tax Relief for Small Business and Consumers

We are also considering several measures to make the state sales tax structure more fair for small businesses and consumers.  For instance, a loaf of bread at a supermarket is taxed at a higher rate than the same loaf of bread purchased at a bakery.  There are also similar disparities for interior design services and buying industrial equipment.  Legislation being considered now is working to fix these issues, including one adopted yesterday that now goes to the House for consideration ( S1657 ).

In light of the slowing economy and its impact on consumers, we are working to make sure that sales taxes are fair.  More importantly, as we continue the session, I want to assure you that we are not considering raising any taxes.

Budget Update

In the very near future, we will receive the proposed state budget from the House.  I have heard from many of you about your priorities and I am keeping them in mind.

I want you to know that I am committed to continuing to strengthen our economy through critical economic-growth initiatives that help attract new jobs and employers, and also help existing businesses grow and prosper.  I am also committed to continuing to invest in education and ensuring that our students are receiving a sound education and are encouraged to stay in school.

Please do not hesitate to contact me about your thoughts on the budget, and I will keep you updated on the budget process as it moves forward.

Thank You

As always, feel free to let me know your thoughts on any of the items in this newsletter or any other issues you feel are important.

Thanks for the opportunity to continue serving you in the North Carolina Senate, and I hope you have a great weekend.