April 1 Sen. Daniel Newsletter

Burke MARCH 31, 2011

DISTRICT 44

Caldwell MARCH ISSUE #5

Dear Friends, Another busy week in Raleigh is concluding, and the number of bills we are considering is increasing. There is not enough room in this newsletter to discuss all of them, so if you are interested in getting a more thorough review I would encourage you to go to my personal page on the NC General Assembly website. Here are some of the highlights of the week: Home Educators Visit The NCGA Delete text and place photo here CONTACT INFORMATION:

Senator Warren T. Daniel Legislative Office Bldg., Room 411 300 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 Email: warren.daniel@ncleg.net Phone: 919-715-7823 Fax: 919-754-3265

District Office of Sen. Warren Daniel 348 Harper Avenue NW Lenoir, NC 28645 Email: senwarrendaniel@bellsouth.net Phone: 828-754-9335 Fax 828-754-9335 (Please call before faxing) www.facebook.com/warrendaniel

** http://bit.ly/SenDaniel (For pictures, more news, resources)

State Budget Recent revenue figures are only slightly encouraging. There are some upticks in economic activity, but not nearly enough to close the massive deficit that is facing our state. From some of the emails that I have received objecting to various budget cut proposals, I do not think that many people understand how serious a $3 billion deficit really is. By law we can’t spend more than we take in, and Republicans are committed to not taxing our way out of this $3 billion hole. This approach has been tried again and again and it never works because higher taxes stifle private sector growth. When our businesses and families experience a decrease in income, they have one option: to stop spending more than they take in. Responsible government must do the same.

We are committed to ensuring that this will be the most transparent budget process at the General Assembly in many years. No decisions will be made behind closed doors. We will cast all of our votes in public, and citizens and lawmakers will have at least two days to review the budget online before the final vote is taken.

State Health Plan

For years, the state health plan has teetered on the verge of financial collapse. When Republicans took control of the General Assembly in January, we inherited a $500 million shortfall in the state health plan.

Health care costs are skyrocketing, and the continued viability of the state health plan requires that major changes be made.

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DID YOU KNOW…?

That in 1957 the BBC news show Panorama announced that that due to a very mild winter, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. The announcement even provided footage of Swiss peasants pulling strands of spaghetti down from trees. Many called the BBC wanting to know how they could grow their own spaghetti tree. The BBC replied, “place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best.”

This was rated the #1 April Fool’s Day Hoaxes of all time by the Museum of Hoaxes http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/P0/

MARCH 25, 2011

Burke

DISTRICT 44

Caldwell

Page 2

In order to ensure its solvency in the short term, we passed SB 265 this week which transfers management of the plan to the State Treasurer, who already manages the state retirement system. SB 265 requires state employees to pay a modest health insurance premium—about $21 for the best plan, and half that for basic coverage. That means that state employees will now pay about 5% of their health premium and you, the taxpayers, will pay the other 95%. The governor’s budget also recommended a premium for state employees, and it is important to point out that the State Employees Association of NC (SEANC) supports the major components of this bill.

Retirees, as promised, are still offered a no-premium option. To maintain access to affordable medicine, their copays will be kept at $10 on generic prescriptions. This is a strong step toward ensuring the plan's future.

NER (Environment/Natural Resources) Appropriations Update The largest department under the purview of the NER committee is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It is being given careful review. Senator Don East, Co-Chair of the NER Committee says DENR is antibusiness and is in need of down-sizing. I believe Senator East is right. I have heard stories of various complaints from business leaders, farmers, and private citizens regarding the heavy handed regulatory approach proffered by DENR. We have thousands of regulations and rules on the books which are a disincentive to those trying to provide jobs in an already slow market.

25th Judicial District On a final note, this week I filed SB 495 which, if passed, will ensure the fair allocation of district court judges in our district.

The 25th judicial district is allocated nine district court judges. SB 495 would require that five of the nine judges reside in Catawba County, and that two reside in each of Burke and Caldwell counties.

I hope that each of you will enjoy this Final Four weekend. Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the NC Senate.

Sincerely,

Congratulations to Boy Scout Brett Bolte, a member of Troop 261 in Baton, NC, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scouting’s highest honor. On April 3, 2011 he will be honored a special court of honor for his achievement. To become an Eagle Scout, Brett was required to earn 21 merit badges- he actually earned 38. What a great job Brett has done and what a great service the Boy Scouts are to our communities.