NC Voting districts before judges

December 17, 2011

BY LYNN BONNER - lbonner@newsobserver.com


A three-judge panel tasked with deciding the fate of the state's Republican-drawn voting districts heard arguments from lawyers representing both political parties on Friday.

At issue was how quickly a lawsuit challenging the districts should go to trial, a decision that could determine whether next year's primary election stays on track.

Lawyers for those challenging the districts argued for an ambitious schedule that would have a trial beginning in early February. The tight schedule would allow enough time to have the primary on May 8 as planned, they said.

A state lawyer defending the maps said the proposed plan was unrealistic. It didn't include time for a state Supreme Court appeal, for example, or time for the legislature to redraw districts if judges found problems, said Alexander Peters, a special deputy Attorney General.

The three Superior Court judges, Paul Ridgeway of Wake, Alma Hinton of Halifax and Joseph Crosswhite of Iredell, did not announce a decision Friday.

CONTINUED:
http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/12/17/1715766/voting-districts-before-judges.html

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: from Rep. Norman Sanderson, NC House District 3

August 6, 2011

Promises made. Promises kept.


The North Carolina Legislature finished a HISTORIC session just over one week ago! In just 87 days (the shortest "long session" since 1973), the Republican-led House and Senate passed legislation that will improve the state's economic solvency. Chief among our accomplishments was passing a bipartisan budget that cuts taxes, reduces spending, and reforms and improves public education - all while closing a $2.5 billion deficit. The budget fully funds classroom teachers and teaching assistants, makes important education reforms, and protects other core state services.

The state budget also sunsets a nearly $1 billion "temporary" sales tax hike that Gov. Perdue and legislative Democrats raised in the peak of the economic recession and promised would end this year. It also eliminates the "temporary" income tax surcharge and implements a $50,000 income exemption for private businesses - the job-creating engines of North Carolina. These tax savings will create as many as 15,000 jobs in the short term and thousands more in the future, economists say.

You are probably aware that the legislature has also been busy with the redistricting process. Please read below for an explanation of this and how you may be affected.


THANK YOU for making it your business to know what your state government is doing. If you have a question, suggestion, or want to tell me where you stand on an issue, please call me at (919) 733-5853 or (252) 671-9610 . The long session may be over, but I am still working for you!

Norman

Notable Republican Bills Signed Into Law

House Bill 36 - An act to require counties, cities and employers to use the Federal E-Verify program to verify the work authorization of newly hired employees was signed by the Governor on June 23, 2011.

House Bill 92 - An act to repeal the land transfer tax was signed into law by the Governor on March 31, 2011.

House Bill 542 - An act to provide tort reform for North Carolina citizens and businesses was signed into law by the Governor on June 24, 2011.

House Bill 588 - An act requiring local boards of education to teach a semester long course in high school entitled, "American History I - The Founding Principles." The course will include a study on The Creator - endowed inalienable rights of the people, rule of law, equal justice under law, private property rights, federalism, due process, individual responsibility, etc. The Governor made this act law on June 23, 2011.

House Bill 596 - An act to require that proceeds of certain dispositions of state-owned real property be used in part to support the general fund, in part to support the teachers' and state employees' retirement system of North Carolina, and in part to support the agencies to which the property was allocated; and to appropriate funds for these purposes. The bill became law by the Governor's hand on June 27, 2011.


House Bill 642 - The Justice Reinvestment Act was signed into law on June 23, 2011 by the Governor. The act is a major reform of the North Carolina Justice system.

House Bill 650 - An act to provide when a person may use defensive force and to amend various gun laws regarding the right to own, possess, or carry a firearm in North Carolina was signed into law by the Governor on June 23, 2011.

House Bill 762 - An act to protect landowner's rights was signed into law by the Governor on June 23, 2011.

House Bill 927 - An act to make changes to the statutes governing the teachers' and state employees' retirement system and the consolidated judicial retirement system to ensure the future solvency of those systems was signed into law by the Governor on June 23, 2011.

Notable Republican Bills That Became Law without the Governor's Signature

House Bill 48 - An act to reduce spending by eliminating statewide standardized testing in the public schools, except as required by Federal law or as a condition of a Federal grant. The bill became law on March 21, 2011.

House Bill 119 - An act to amend certain environmental and natural resources laws was presented to the Governor on June 20, 2011 and became law without her signature on July 1, 2011.

House Bill 744 - The "Safe Schools Act" states that a principal of any public school shall require the parent or guardian of any child presented for admission for the first time to that school to furnish (i) a certified copy of the child's birth certificate, which shall be furnished by the register of deeds of the county having on file the record of the birth of the child, or other satisfactory evidence of date of birth, as provided in Article 4 of Chapter 130A. The act became law on June 28, 2011.

House Bill 344 - An act to allow individual income tax credit for children with disabilities who require special education and to create a fund for special education and related services became law on July 1, 2011.

House Bill 845 - An act to reform the involuntary annexation laws of North Carolina became law on July 1, 2011.

Veto Overrides

Senate Bill 33 - An act to reform the laws relating to money judgment appeal bonds, bifurcation of trials in civil cases and medical liability became law on July 25, 2011 after the House and Senate voted to override the Governor's veto.

Senate Bill 496 - An act to provide requirements of Medicaid and health choice providers became law on July 25, 2011 after the House and Senate voted to override the Governor's veto.

Senate Bill 532 (HB 813) - An act to reform employment security laws by creating the Division of Employment Security within the Department of Commerce became law on July 26, 2011 after the House and Senate voted to override the Governor's veto.

Senate Bill 781 - An act to increase regulatory efficiency in order to balance job creation and environmental protection was vetoed by the Governor. The House and Senate overrode the Governor's veto on July 25, 2011 and the bill became law.

House Bill 854 - An act to require a 24-hour waiting period and the informed consent of a pregnant woman before an abortion may be performed became law on July 28, 2011 after the House and Senate voted to override the Governor's veto.

Legislative Redistricting 2011

The first phase of the 2011 redistricting process for North Carolina is complete. At the end of July, the NC Senate and House voted into law the new plans that will be in effect until the next census in 2020. Our state experienced unprecedented growth over the last ten years, exceeding over 1.45 million people. Because districts are determined by population and limited in number, most districts either expanded or decreased to allow for population change.

In House District 3, we lost several key communities in Craven County, picked up some important new ones and will have to expand into a substantial portion of Beaufort County. I believe it is good for the election process and the voters.

The next phase of the redistricting plan is to pass the scrutiny of the NC Courts, the Department of Justice and the Federal Courts in Washington, DC. We are confident that the districts have been drawn to withstand any challenges in spite of the negative press of the last few weeks. In an attempt to correct 100+ years of gerrymandering, remember that change is inevitable. When you elected a Republican majority in 2010, we promised the new districts would be drawn "Fair and Legal".

Promises made. Promises kept.

If you would like to examine the new districts and voter statistics related to them, CLICK HERE to visit the NC Legislature website. If you still have questions, please call me at 252-671-9610.

NC REDISTRICTING

July 15, 2011



From NCRW, Brenda T. Formo

Redistricting

Senator Bob Rucho, Chairman of the Senate Redistricting Committee, said recently that "an updated congressional map could be released by this weekend."

The map addresses issues raised about the 1st Congressional District, currently represented by Democrat G.K. Butterfield. "The original boundaries removed five eastern counties that are subject to restrictions by the federal Voting Rights Act," as reported in the News & Record. Any changes may affect other districts.
(NOTE:  BUTTERFIELD NEVER COMPLAINED ABOUT HOW UNFAIRLY DRAWN DISTRICT 1 WAS DRAWN BY THE DEMOCRATS!~LC)
Please attend and speak at the Redistricting Public Hearing Meetings which will be held on Monday, Jul 18th from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 10 locations across North Carolina. (See the listings on the NCFRW Legislative Report dated July 13th, or go to the General Assembly website:

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/

Sources: ncga.nc.state.us; News & Record, "Updated congressional district lines possible this weekend," by AP, Jul 15, 2011 and "GOP redraws district map," by Jim Morrill of the Charlotte Observer, Jul 15, 2011.

NC LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

July 7, 2011


NC Redistricting

The Redistricting Committees recently released congressional district maps, the second milestone in the redistricting process for North Carolina. Redistricting House and Senate committee members will take public comments today, July 7th from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. at nine locations across NC. Democrats are out in numbers at these meetings seeking to change the proposed maps.

Currently for the U.S. House of Representatives, NC has 13 districts held by 7 Democrats and 6 Republicans. In 2010 before Republican Renee Ellmers defeated Democrat Bob Etheridge in the 2nd district, the count was 8 Democrats and 5 Republicans. The proposed maps trend toward 10 Republican and 3 Democrat seats. The three overwhelmingly Democrat districts would be the 1st, the 4th, and the 12th, currently held by G. K. Butterfield (D- 1st), David E. Price (D-4th), and Mel Watt (D-12th). Democrats in jeopardy under the plan include Mike McIntyre (7th), Larry Kissell (8th), Heath Shuler (11th), and Brad Miller (13th).

An important fact considering the governor's recent unprecedented vetoes is that she cannot veto the Republican redistricting plan. However, the plan does have to be reviewed by the U.S. Justice Department for compliance with the Voting Rights Act.

The Republicans have faced a barrage of complaints on redistricting from Democrat and NAACP spokesmen, using terms that appear to have been prepared by a single source such as "racism," "segregation," and "packing" and "cracking" minorities. This observation is independent of the news media's reporting on redistricting, which is generally negative.

Senator Rucho, Chairman of the Senate Redistricting Committee said, "The previous map was Democratic gerrymandering," adding "this is fair and legal."

Please attend the meetings and make comments to support our Republicans on the Redistricting Committees and in the legislature.

Public Hearings scheduled for today, July 7, 2011 from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. are as follows:
(from ncga.state.nc.us)

NC Museum of History, First Floor Auditorium
5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1011 (Wake County)

Fayetteville Technical Community College, Cumberland Hall Room 308
2201 Hull Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303 (Cumberland County)

Guilford Technical Community College, Learning Resource Center (Library)
Jamestown Campus, Room 325
601 High Point Road, Jamestown, NC 27282 (Guilford County)

UNC-Charlotte, J. Murrey Atkins Library
Room 143, 9201 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001 (Mecklenburg County)

UNC-Wilmington, Education Building
Room 266, 601 S. College Road
Wilmington NC 28403 (New Hanover County)

Western Carolina University, Cordelia Camp Building
Room 133-B, 69 East University Way
Cullowhee, NC 28273 (Jackson County)

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, Jernigan Building
Room 126, 109 Community College Road
Ahoskie, NC 27910 (Hertford County)

Appalachian State University, Anne Belk Hall
Interactive Video Services, Classroom 023
224 Joyce Lawrence Lane, Boone, NC 28608 (Watauga County)

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville Campus, Ferguson Building
Ferguson Auditorium, 340 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801 (Buncombe County)

Sources: ncga.state.nc.us; Washington Examiner, "North Carolina redistricts," by Michael Barone, Jul 1, 2011; News-Record, "Lawmakers hear from public on Congress lines," AP, Jul 7, 2011; wral.com, "'Fair and Legal?'" Jul 1, 2011 and "New congressional districts lean R," Jul 1, 2011; and News & Observer, "GOP redistricting 'bonanza'? Four Democrats would find it harder to maintain their seats," by Jim Morrill and Rob Christensen, Jul 2, 2011.

Congressional redistricting--Democrats are like the pot calling the kettle black

We never cease to be amazed at how hypocritical liberals are. And that includes our friends down the street at the Washington Daily News, or more precisely, Jonathan Clayborne. The most recent exhibit was Jonathan's recent article on congressional redistricting, leading with an exclamation by the Honorable G. K. Butterfield, lamenting, and predicting, the illegality of "packing electoral districts" and "disenfranchising minorities." Puh-leaz Judge.


CONTINUED:  http://www.beaufortobserver.net/Articles-c-2011-07-03-254180.112112-Congressional-redistrictingDemocrats-are-like-the-pot-calling-the-kettle-black.html

Current Status of Key Bills Presented to the Governor of North Carolina

June 28, 2011


Current Status of Key Bills Presented to the Governor

1. Abortion - A Woman's Right to Know Act (HB854) - was vetoed by our "education" governor on Monday, Jun 27. Governor Perdue wrote in her objection and veto message, "This bill is a dangerous intrusion into the confidential relationship that exists between women and their doctors. The bill contains provisions that are the most extreme in the nation in terms of interfering with that relationship. Physicians must be free to advise and treat their patients based on their medical knowledge and expertise and not have their advice overridden by elected officials seeking to impose their own ideological agenda on others."

The bill requires pregnant women to have information from a medical doctor, an ultrasound, and a waiting period of 24-hours before ending the life of an unborn baby.

The Senate passed the legislation on Jun 15th in a vote of 29 to 20 with 1 not voting. Republican Senator Stan Bingham (Davidson, Guilford) voted with the Democrats; and Republican Senator Richard Stevens (Wake) did not vote.

The House passed the measure on Jun 8th in a vote of 71 to 48. All Republicans voted for the legislation and were joined by Democrat Representatives William Brisson, Dewey Hill and Tim Spear.

Only one vote is needed in the Senate and one in the House to override the governor's veto.

In the Senate call: Senator Bingham (R) (336) 859-0999 and Senator Stevens (R) Business (919) 851-0228 or home (919) 851-1177.

In the House call the following conservative Democrats:

Rep. Jim Crawford (Granville, Vance) (919) 733-5824; and Bill Owens (Camden, Currituck, Pasquotank, Tyrrell) (919) 733-0010.

2. An Act to Authorize Additional Water Supply Lines Funded by the Clean Water and Natural Gas Critical Needs Bond Act of 1998 and to Direct the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to Waive the Penalty Assessed Against Certain Poor Counties for Certain Water Quality Violations" (HB482) - was vetoed by the governor on Jun 27th, stating, "This bill is unconstitutional. The North Carolina Constitution, as interpreted by our Supreme Court, requires that money paid as civil penalties be given to the public school system and not be used for any other purposes." Further she believes that the measure would allow the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to remit money to counties that could be used for other purposes than education.

The bill was unanimously passed by the Senate filled with lawyers on Jun 14th in a vote of 47 to 0 with 3 excused absences; and in the House the bill passed on Jun 16th in a vote of 64 to 41 with 14 not voting and 1 excused absence.

The vetoed legislation addresses additional water connections and waives environmental penalties assessed in poor counties where at least 18 % of the county population is below the poverty level; and the unemployment rate is at least 2.5 % higher than the state average.

3. Medical Malpractice (SB 33) - The governor vetoed the bill on Jun 24. She said, "Once the bill is revised to adequately protect those that are catastrophically injured, I will proudly sign it into law."

The bill changes medical malpractice laws and the ratified edition caps noneconomic damages at $500,000. Noneconomic damages are defined in the law as "Damages to compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, inconvenience, and any other nonpecuniary compensatory damage." Complainants still get punitive damages as defined in the General Statutes.

The bill passed the Senate on Jun 9th in a vote of 32 to 9 with 1 not voting and 1 excused absence. The House passed the bill on Jun 9th in a vote of 62 to 44 with 6 not voting and 8 with excused absences.

4. Tort Reform for Citizens and Businesses (HB542) - Governor Perdue signed the bill on Jun 24th that "will allow juries to hear how much of a plaintiff's medical expenses have been paid by insurance." (News & Observer)

5. Workmen's Compensation Reform (HB709) - Signed by the governor on Jun 24th, the bill "lifts the regulatory burden on the state's businesses, large and small, while also adding protection for employees hurt on the job," according to House Speaker Pro Tempore Dale R. Folwell.

It must be noted that a report released recently by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce "shows North Carolina is ranked in the bottom half in many metrics of competitiveness." Specifically, "'Enterprising States: Recovery and Renewal for the 21st Century' ranks North Carolina in the bottom 25 in nineteen of the thirty-two metrics of competitiveness including long term and short-term job growth, budget gap and tax climate." ( NCGOP Communications Office)

Recent U.S. House of Representatives' Votes

1. "Authorizing the limited use of the United States Armed Forces in support of the NATO mission in Libya" (House Joint Resolution 68) failed in a vote of 123 to 295 with 13 not voting on Jun 24, 2011. Only eight Republicans voted for the measure, none were from North Carolina.

NC Representatives voting for the Resolution: David E. Price (D-4th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).

NC Representatives voting against the Resolution: Renee Ellmers (R-2nd), Walter B. Jones (R-3rd), Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Howard Coble (R-6th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th), and Heath Shuler (D-11th).  Rep. G. K. Butterfield (D-1st) did not vote.

2. "To limit the use of funds to support NATO Operation Unified Protector with respect to Libya" (HR 2278) failed on Jun 24th in a vote of 180 to 238 with 13 not voting. The bill was intended to defund U.S. military operations under NATO in Libya that would include combat operations such as airstrikes; and would have restricted U.S. participation to support activities including "intelligence, surveillance, and search and rescue." (Megavote)

NC Representatives voting for the bill: Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Howard Coble (R-6th), Sue Myrick (R-9th) and Heath Shuler (D-11th).

NC Representatives voting against the bill: Renee Ellmers (R-2nd), Walter B. Jones (R-3rd), David E. Price (D-4th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).  Rep. G. K. Butterfield (D-1st) did not vote.

Republican Representative Renee Ellmers (2nd District) presented the weekly radio Republican address last week. She focused on job creation in the private sector by removing government regulatory barriers; stopping tax hikes; expanding domestic energy production; and approving pending free-trade agreements.

NC Redistricting

Proposed congressional maps are scheduled to be released this week, and public hearings will be held on Jul 7th. Further details have not been released.

Politico has reported that Democrat Representatives Brad Miller (13th) and David E. Price (4th) may likely compete for one seat and that Democrat Representatives Larry Kissell (8th) and Mike McIntyre (7th) may also go against each other for a seat. Further, Democrat Heath Shuler (11th) may see his district increasingly Republican.