Representative Stam summarized the major concerns of most citizens living in North Carolina, our economy, taxation, Eminent Domain, mental health, the Death Penalty and the protection of Unborn Victims of Murder.

May 18, 2008

COUNTY NC NEWS -- At the opening of this year's General Assembly 2008 regular session, North Carolina Republican House Leader, Paul "Skip" Stam, gave an introductory speech to the NC House of Representatives introducing Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger and GOP nominee for Governor, Mayor Pat McCrory, to the floor. Within a stunningly short period of time, Representative Stam summarized the major concerns of most citizens living in North Carolina, our economy, taxation, Eminent Domain, mental health, roads, the Death Penalty and the protection of Unborn Victims of Murder. This amazing speech received very little media coverage. So, in our constant effort to promote transparency, we have published Republican House Leader's remarks on the opening day of the 2008 North Carolina General Assembly on May 13, 2008:

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 dont 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.

Additionally, North Carolina Republican House Leader, Paul Stam, is also the primary sponsor of House Bill 388 "Tax Credits for Children With Special Needs," which is considered a win-win situation for all North Carolinians. House Bill 388, provides parents with disabled children an alternative to public schooling, which cannot feasiblely or adequately provide for these children. To read Representative Stam's House Bill 388 and presentation.

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.