Raleigh, May 13 (10:45 AM – Following introductions of
Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger and Mayor Pat McCrory of Charlotte,
Republican nominee for Governor): Good Morning.
We appreciate each of you coming on a busy day, beginning a
busy and short, Short Session. Our reason for being in Raleigh is to adjust the
Budget. Our responsibility is to always remember the money
government spends comes out of the pockets of hard-working taxpayers, who have
no choice other than to adjust their family budgets.
Things have changed since we last met. North Carolina's
families are now experiencing economic challenges that cannot
be solved by tax increases. It would be better if state government had chosen
to exercise restraint before these challenging economic times.
Serious tax relief and regulatory reform are
proven ways to better our state's economy. Instead we seem
bound to debate increases in spending, tax rates and regulation. Once again,
tax revenues are coming into the State at
higher-than-predicted amounts, but because this total is less surplus than
usual, less is available to expand this free-spending government.
The Governor's proposed tax rate increases are not
appropriate.
Since we last met we have been made aware of the dimensions of
the failure of Mental Health reform instituted in 2001. While
the Democrats seem content to wait for "new leadership" and to place a band aid
on the problem, Republicans believe many of the problems need to be addressed
now.
Roads matter to people who live in the real
world. Republicans would again refer you to the well-crafted Road Bond
Package offered by Republicans last year, without the need for a tax
rate increase. The continued transfer of $170 million from the Highway Trust
Fund to the General Fund needs to end.
Do we or do we not have a Death Penalty for
murder in North Carolina?
More than a year ago we had a de facto moratorium on
executions. We were told litigation stood in the way, and
Republicans offered simple statutory to clear that matter
up.
But the U.S. Supreme Court placed a temporary hold on
executions in states using the same method as North Carolina,
in order to examine a challenge by prisoners in Kentucky.
In September, the state courts ruled licensing boards
don’t have authority to block executions. Last month the Supreme Court
ruled in the Kentucky case that our protocol for executions is not
cruel or unusual punishment, and now it is past time
for Democrats to quit trying to have it both ways when it comes to the
Death Penalty.
As far as the proven deterrence benefit, having a moratorium
on executions is the same as having no Death Penalty at all. The
General Assembly should adopt the simple statutory change we
offered last year.
Constitutional amendments are eligible for consideration in
the Short Session, and Republicans again call on the Speaker to allow the
Marriage Protection Amendment to be heard on the House Floor
where it was sent by the Rules Committee last year. His sole decision not to
allow consideration of this amendment is not in accord with the will of the
vast majority.
The same can be said of constitutional restrictions on the
power of Eminent Domain. Almost one year ago, nearly 100 House
Members, a vast bipartisan majority, voted for House Bill 878, to set
protections for private property clearly in our highest law.
After arriving in the Senate, it was dispatched to the Senate Ways and Means
Committee. Once again, inaction on these measures amounts to Rule of the Few
over the Many.
There is strong support for protection of Unborn
Victims of Murder, an issue all about justice for children and
recognized in most states. Once again, when elected representatives refuse to
act, they are making a choice in the negative.
Finally, among the things demonstrated since our last Session
is strong opposition to Land Transfer Taxes. In 20 straight
referenda, when offered a choice, voters have shot this idea down every time.
Repeal of this tax is overdue.
In conclusion, North Carolinians are left to ponder why this
amazing introduction by North Carolina Republican
House Leader, Paul "Skip" Stam, to our most important
legislative function of the year was skimmed over by our main stream media. The
answer is obviously clear - censorship. Therefore, County NC
News will use our available resource to help get Representative Stam's message
to the people.
