Civitas Capitol Connection February 2011 by Civitas Institute

Civitas

CAPITOL CONNECTION nccivitas.org

February 2011 • Vol. 3, no. 1

NC House Stands Against Obamacare pharmacist by profession, said, “While our bill does not require the NC Attorney General to file a separate lawsuit, it does provide that our state join the other 28 states in defending our citizens against this unconstitutional mandate…it’s long overdue that North Carolina stand up in defense of our citizens’ rights.” “NC Healthcare Protection Act” will now be sent to the Senate. w

An overflow of visitors were at the North Carolina Legislature on Jan. 26 to witness the swearing in ceremony of the new Republican-led General Assembly. Bills have already been filed. Visit www.nccivitas.org/bill-tracker to follow what your legislator is doing in Raleigh. Photo: Jana Benscoter

• BY KAREN DUQUETTE

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID Permit #144 Reidsville, NC

n Feb. 2, 2011, the North Carolina House of Representatives approved House Bill 2, the “NC Healthcare Protection Act,” by a vote of 66-50 in its final passage. This legislation protects North Carolinians from the individual mandate to enroll in federal health insurance or pay a fine under the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” or “Obamacare.” One of the primary arguments against the federal legislation is the detrimental effect it places on the economy. Businesses will be forced to provide mandated and expensive insurance coverage for all employees or face a fine, likely resulting in decreased business expansion and job creation. The lively February 2 House floor debate provided an opportunity for

both sides to present their case as Rep. Kelly Alexander (D-Mecklenburg) commented, “I didn’t realize how much I missed good debate, until today.” Several members stressed that individuals must have the right and choice to make their own health care decisions, including enrolling in insurance plans, and cannot be compelled by the government to do so. The House vote came two days after U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson’s ruling that found the entire national healthcare bill unconstitutional. In his decision, Judge Vinson agreed that Congress cannot mandate individual citizens to purchase health insurance. This bill would allow North Carolina to join with 28 other states to challenge the constitutionality of ObamaCare. Rep. Tom Murry (R-Wake), a

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1

NC House Stands Against Obamacare Voter ID

From The Editor End Unauthorized State Debt

Cost of a High School Graduate Tort Lawsuits’ Hidden Consequences

Childcare Subsidies Ineffective

Unemployment

6-7

100 South Harrington Street Raleigh, N.C. 27603-1814

Contact Your Legislator

Scandal

A number of state legislatures have passed or are considering laws to protect the rights of patients to pay directly for medical services, and prohibit forcing citizens into participating in a health insurance plan. Should the North Carolina Legislature pass such a law to protect the rights of North Carolina citizens? Yes 63% No 25% Don’t Know 12% Civitas Poll January 2011

How did they vote? See the vote box on pg. 4

Voter Photo ID - Tip of Election Reform Iceberg • BY SUSAN MYRICK One political party controlled for more than 140 years North Carolina’s election process. This unbalanced control has left our election system weak, vulnerable to fraud and with a partiality to the party in charge. The recent power shift in the North Carolina Legislature is an opportunity to bolster the integrity of North Carolina’s elections and introduce fairness into all facets of the process. Below are suggestions of reform that will help to secure the election process and begin to return confidence in the outcome of our elections. Require a photo ID to vote from every voter – The 2011 Legislature will be encouraged to know the people of North Carolina agree with Voter Photo ID legislation. In

Would you favor or oppose a law that requires voters to show government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before being allowed cast a vote in an election? Strongly Favor 83% Somewhat Favor 16% Somewhat Oppose 4% Strongly Oppose 12% Civitas Poll December 2010

the December 2010 Civitas Institute poll, 83 percent of respondents strongly favored implementing a law that requires voters to show government-issued photo identification to cast a vote in an election. Of those polled, 77 percent said they believed that a requirement to present voter ID would help stop voter fraud. Institute Ballot Position Rotation - Democratic Party candidates always appear first in the contest list on General Election ballots. In light of the fact that the Legislature has provided for ballot rotation on primary election ballots, the same should be done for General Elections. Rotating party position (including unaffiliated candidates) is the right thing to do for all candidates in every election.

Eliminate Same-Day Registration – North Carolina’s voter registration laws apply to Same-Day Registrants differently than they do to voters who register before the voter registration deadline. Same-Day Registrants are voters who register and vote at the same time during one-stop voting. These voters are allowed to bypass the address verification process all other voters must undergo when registering to vote. The result: in 2008 thousands of voters who registered and voted had their registrations “denied” after their vote was counted and the election certified. Voter registration safeguard standards are necessary to treat all voters equally. Abbreviate One-Stop Voting Period – North Carolina increased its voting window to vote in person from one day to 17 days after one-stop voting was implemented in 2000. Early voting should be shortened to eight days and local boards of election should be given time to verify last minute voter changes, ensuring that verified registrations are in the system. Make judicial races partisan again – Beginning in 2002, the Democratic Legislature passed legislation removing party affiliation from judicial races. Voters need this key piece of information to make an informed decision when they vote for judges. In the 2010 General Election there were 2,700,383 total ballots cast. Only 2,012,869 voters voted in the first judicial race on the ballot - a 25 percent drop. Remove “Straight Party” option from North Carolina ballots – North Carolina is one of 15 states that include the straight party option on ballots and the only state Voter ID Continued on Pg. 8

February 2011

Civitas

CAPITOL CONNECTION

Time to End Unauthorized State Debt • BY BRIAN BALFOUR An overwhelming 77 percent of voters believe that the North Carolina General Assembly should not be allowed to borrow money without voter approval. In spite of such massive public opposition, state lawmakers have issued billions in new debt over the last decade without one penny of it being approved by voters. Indeed, the last time voters were given a voice on new state government debt was 2000. This hardly seems fair, given the fact that it is voters who will be forced to hand over the tax dollars to pay back this debt. How do they get away with this? Article V, section 3 (1) of the North Carolina state constitution states the General Assembly must first seek voter approval for “debts secured by a pledge of the faith and credit of the State.” Lawmakers have exploited the phrase “secured by a pledge of the faith and credit of the State” to develop a funding mechanism known as Certificates of Participation (COPs). COPs are legally “secured” by the value of the asset being financed – typically a new building – and not the faith and credit of the state. Thus, COPs technically are not required to receive voter approval. No voter approval means exploding debt Since abandoning the bond referenda process in 2000 in favor of COPs, state debt has predictably exploded. • Per capita state debt has more than doubled • Annual debt service payments on Civitas

CAPITOL CONNECTION PUBLISHER

Francis X. De Luca Francis.Deluca@nccivitas.org MANAGING EDITOR

Jana Benscoter Jana.Benscoter@nccivitas.org Editorial & Advertising 100 S. Harrington Street Raleigh, NC 27603 919-834-2099 (phone) 919-834-2350 (fax) www.nccivitas.org All non-advertising content published in Civitas Capitol Connection may be republished as long as appropriate credit is given and it is published in its entirety. Copyright 2011

the debt have tripled • The state has authorized, but not yet issued, another $2.2 billion in debt (as of June 30, 2008 – the latest data available) Such reckless debt spending has maxed out the state’s line of credit, threatens bond rating In the 2010 Debt Affordability Study, the State Treasurer concluded that North Carolina has “substantially exhausted” its General Fundsupported debt limits until after fiscal year 2012. The study further recommended using voter-approved debt as “the preferred method to provide debt financing for its capital needs” if it wishes to maintain its current bond rating. Responding to Critics Defenders of unrestrained debt spending generally mount one argument against ensuring a vote of the people on new borrowing: requiring a vote on new debt can delay debt

Should the North Carolina General Assembly be allowed to borrow money without voter approval? Yes 14% No 77% Not Sure 10% Civitas Poll May 2008

authorizations, reducing the state’s ability to take advantage of low interest rates. If lawmakers are truly interested in avoiding substantial interest payments, however, they could avoid debt financing altogether by adhering to a pay-as-you-go method for capital projects. For instance, from fiscal year 2004 to 2009, the General Assembly authorized a total of $3.2 billion in new debt for capital projects. But from fiscal year 2005 to 2009, the state collected more than $3.4 billion in total surplus revenue. If the surplus revenue had been dedicated to paying up front for capital projects rather than being used to expand operational expenditures, the state could be saving hundreds of millions in interest payments. Moreover, because there is no pledge of the state backing COPs, they bear a slightly higher risk for investors, and therefore carry a higher interest rate. In other words, lawmakers are knowingly paying a higher interest rate for COPs debt on the chance that interest rates on voter-approved debt may rise while waiting a couple of months for a bond referendum. Even if interest rates do creep up while awaiting a bond referendum, the higher COPs interest rate may very well still be higher than the interest rate on voter-approved debt. w Find this article on the web at www.nccivitas.org/2011/time-endunauthorized-state-debt/

nccivitas.org

F R O M T H E E D I T O R

New Legislature: A Change of Direction, Not Accountability BY JANA BENSCOTER The 2011-12 biennial session of the North Carolina General Assembly started out differently than any other session in 140 years. For the first time since Reconstruction, Republicans attained leadership in both the state Senate and House. While this is quite an historical moment in North Carolina political history, clearly there are problems that still exist within state government, which have stemmed from mismanagement of state funds, ignoring the desires of the public and neglecting to provide voters the right to vote on matters that have a direct impact on their lives. Many newly elected representatives were supported by the Tea Party Movement, who is keeping a vigilant eye on new leadership’s actions no matter if you are a Republican or Democrat. Republicans leadership campaigned on “100 Days that Will Change North Carolina: 10-Point Republican Legislative Agenda.” The agenda included: 1 Reduce overspending and balance the state budget without raising taxes. 2 Make tax rates competitive with other states. 3 Pass the Healthcare Protection Act, exempting North Carolinians from mandates of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”). 4 Protect jobs by keeping Right to Work law intact. 5 Reduce regulatory burden on small business. 6 Fund education in the classroom, not the bureaucracy. 7 Eliminate cap on charter schools. 8 Pass the Honest Election Act, requiring a valid government-issued ID to vote 9 Pass the Eminent Domain constitutional amendment to protect private property rights. 10 End pay-to-play politics. Four bills predicted to gain attention right away were lifting the charter school ban (North Carolina currently has 100 charter schools), protecting North Carolinians from the federal health care mandate that forces residents to purchase federal health care passed by Congress a year ago, requiring voters to show a governmentissued photo identification when casting their ballot and cutting spending. So far Republicans have filed three bills in an effort to keep their promises on charter schools, health care and spending. A voter identification bill has yet to be filed, as of this publication. All four issues have been part of the rallying cry to help elect Republican candidates into office. Tea Party advocates are not willing to stay quiet as the new majority takes the reins. They are watching carefully and will continue to do so to achieve the results that they want. New leaders appear to be in step with this sentiment. During the Senate swearing in ceremony, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Eden) said, “this is just a moment, history will judge us based on the substance of this session, not this moment.” w

CIVITAS CAPITOL CONNECTION, your connection to the Raleigh beltline without the traffic.

N AM E

ADDRESS

CITY

STAT E Z IP

PH O N E S

E MA I L

Civitas

CAPITOL CONNECTION

Please mail to: 100 South Harrington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 http://www.nccivitas.org/signup | 919-747-8052

nccivitas.org

Civitas

CAPITOL CONNECTION

February 2011

How Much Does It Cost to Educate a High School Graduate? • BY BOB LUEBKE

Approximately 37 percent of the North Carolina state budget is devoted to K-12 public education. This year North Carolina will spend approximately $7.1 billion on public elementary and secondary schools, the single biggest expenditure in the state budget. While North Carolina taxpayers have certainly demonstrated strong support for public education, citizens also have a right to expect that tax dollars are being spent wisely. Are our children learning the skills they need to earn a living and to contribute to society? One fundamental question that emerges from this discussion is: How much does it cost to educate one high school graduate? After gathering relevant expenditures data, Civitas staff found that the costs to graduate from a North Carolina high school vary depending on where you live. Costs range from a high of $265,395 (Tyrrell County Schools) to a low of $100,736 (Randolph Coun-

ty). On average, it cost North Carolinians $142,027 to educate one student through high school. To find the cost to produce one high school graduate, Civitas staff gathered data on annual average per student local, state and federal expenditures for the years 1996-97 through 2008-09. The per student cost figures used in this study reflect normal operating expenses only. Figures do not include the costs of federal school lunch programs, capital expenses, debt service, equipment purchases, transportation costs or the costs of community service programs. Adding in these costs can typically increase per pupil spending by nearly 25 percent. Thirteen years of data were chosen to reflect K-12 education costs. Totals for each Local Education Agency (LEA) were compiled and then adjusted for inflation. Annual expenditure totals were then divided by the 2008-09 graduation rate to reflect the costs associated with students who are in school but fail to graduate. According to

Tort Lawsuits’ Hidden Consequences • BY KAREN DUQUETTE Likely to be revived in the 2011 legislative session is a heated debate on tort reform. The topic has been broached in previous sessions, yet no action has been taken. Tort claims (claims for civil wrongdoing) affect more than just the plaintiffs and defendants involved. According to the Pacific Research Institute’s “Jackpot Justice Series,” tort lawsuit abuse costs every American a hidden “tort tax” of about $2,000 a year in higher insurance premiums, lower wages and health benefits, and reduced access to care. In addition, only 15 cents of every tort-cost dollar goes to its actual intended recipient: the plaintiff. Despite attempts at tort reform, North Carolina has no cap on noneconomic damages, those difficult to financially quantify, in medical malpractice cases. Nationally, 24 states have imposed a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice suits. California was one of the first states in the nation to impose a cap on such awards in 1975. Since then that state’s average medical malpractice insurance premiums have increased at a rate about two-thirds less than the national average. Furthermore, in a January 2010 Civitas poll, 65 percent of North Carolinians supported legislation being passed to place caps on the amount of money that can be awarded in medical malpractice suits. In 2003, Senate Republicans unsuccessfully pushed for legislation to cap non-economic damages. Democrats responded a year later with a more modest proposal, but failed to capture the interest of doctors and hospitals. In 2005, the Senate considered legislation limiting the length of workers compensation benefits

but never voted on the bill. More recently, the House approved a bill that would essentially change our current contributory negligence standard to a comparative negligence standard. Under a comparative negligence standard, juries and judges weigh the plaintiff’s negligence and award damages based on the degree, or percentage, of fault. Within a contributory negligence

Do you support or oppose legislation being passed to place caps on the amount of money that can be awarded in Medical Malpractice Suits? Support 65% Oppose 28% Not Sure 7% Civitas Poll January 2010

jurisdiction, a plaintiff may not recover if they at all “contributed” to their injury, though in North Carolina, the “Last Clear Chance” doctrine often softens the impact of contributory negligence for plaintiffs. In some comparative negligence states, the plaintiff may not recover if they are 50 percent or more negligent or responsible for their injury. The legislation was supported by trial lawyers groups, most House Democrats, and 19 Republicans, however, the Senate never considered the bill. In the current session, the Senate has introduced SB 33, “Medical Liability Reforms,” which seeks to modify various aspects of medical malpractice suits, including reducing the maximum noneconomic damage recovery to $250,000 per plaintiff and allowing periodic payments of future economic damages instead of awarding only lump-sum payments. It will be interesting to watch how this bill plays out as the session moves forward. w Find this article on the web at www.nccivitas.org/2011/willupcoming-nc-legislative-sessioninclude-tort-reform/

Department of Public Instruction data, 71.8 percent of ninth grade students who enrolled as freshman in 2005-06, graduated four years later in 2008-09. The insert provides a list of LEAs that spent the most per high school graduate as well as the least. For a table listing the cost of high school graduate by LEA see: How Much Does it Cost to Educate a High School Graduate, available at www.nccivitas.org. The five highest spending districts include: Tyrell County Schools, ($265,395); Hyde County Schools ($220,442); Halifax County ($197,297); Jones County Schools ($192,664) and Asheville City Schools ($185,356). Conversely, the five districts that spent the least to educate a high school graduate include: Randolph County Schools ($100,736), Catawba County Schools ($104,343), Union County Public

Cost per High School Graduate 5 most expensive and 5 least expensive LEAs in North Carolina

LEA

Cost / Graduate

Tyrell County Schools

$265,395

Hyde County Schools

$220,442

Halifax County Schools

$197,297

Jones County Schools

$192,664

Asheville City Schools

$185,356

State Average

$142,027

Alexander County Schools

$108,661

Iredell-Statesville Schools

$107,899

Union County Schools

$106,091

Catawba County Schools

$104,343

Randolph County Schools

$100,736

Schools, ($106,091), Iredell-Statesville Schools ($107,899) and Alexander County Schools ($108,661). According to the data, the state average for educating a high school graduate is $144,550. The reason for spending variation between communities is a subject beyond the scope of this article, but nonetheless an important observation. Even though state government provides about 65 percent of LEA revenue (local and federal support comprise about 25 percent and 10 percent respectively), it is interesting to note that some communities can educate two graduates for

the amount it takes other communities to educate one. Certainly some of the additional revenue is tied to programs that address needy and at risk populations. Basic academic achievement data shows that increased spending by LEAs does not significantly boost student achievement, a finding relevant to assessing the efficiency of expenditures. Second, the data also shows dropouts are a significant cost to local public schools. Statewide, three in 10 North Carolina freshmen failed to graduate four years later. Of the 30 highest spending LEAs, only 5 have a 4-year cohort graduation rate above the state average (71.8 percent). Since teachers and staff are hired to work with these students and one of the major goals of secondary education is to graduate, the costs of dropouts are included in the analysis On average, North Carolina taxpayers spend $142,027 to educate one high school graduate. Over 13 years, taxpayers spend about $10,925 (2008 dollars) annually, on each student’s public school education. Such costs are comparable to the costs of attending private schools. Providing quality public schools is one of government’s most important and costly responsibilities. However, an equal priority should be the efficient and effective use of taxpayer resources. If communities and schools can provide a quality education at less cost (i.e. via charter school or private schools), don’t society and students both stand to gain if parents have the right to choose which educational option is best for their children? The disparity in the costs to educate one high school graduate raises legitimate concerns about the use and efficiency of public tax dollars. Expanding educational opportunities for students offers a way to not only enhance a student’s chances to graduate but also to provide significant savings to the taxpayer. w For additional information go to www.nccivitas.org to read “How Much Does it Cost to Educate One High School Graduate?” and “The Cost of One High School Graduate.”

Civitas Polling Events Interested in being the first to hear analysis and commentary on pre-released Civitas polling? Join us on the last Wednesday of every month for a poll presentation event with guest commentary from some of North Carolina’s top political strategists. The next luncheon is already scheduled! Wednesday, February 23, 4:30 P.M. Cardinal Club in Downtown Raleigh 29th Floor Wachovia Building Visit www.nccivitas.org/events or call (919) 834-2099 to register today!

February 2011

Civitas

nccivitas.org

CAPITOL CONNECTION

Childcare Funding Not Going to Children • BY ANDREW HENSON

DCD provides around 85 percent of the total amount of childcare subsidies in North Carolina, however, it is not alone in the subsidy distribution business. Smart Start, a system of early childhood care and development, issues the remaining amount of childcare subsidies in the state. In many counties these two entities distribute different childcare subsidies in the same area, which cause equal confusion for both participants

There are presently 47,000 North Carolina children of needy families on a waiting list for early childcare subsidies. These subsidies offer a discounted rate on daycare costs to qualifying families. The state Division of Child Development (DCD), the primary conduit of childcare subsidies, only has the funding to support 27 percent of those families eligible, meaning 12,690 children cannot be served.

and providers. Both systems require different forms and paperwork and the eligibility requirements for subsidies vary between the two. Many parents have one child on one subsidy program and another child on a different subsidy, resulting in double the fee payments for these services. The North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services (NCACDSS) reports numerous complaints from parents concerned about how to make sense of the com-

plexity. Additionally, administrative costs are greatly increased as the state employs more people to issue the same kinds of subsidies. The paper trail of failed legislation speaks to the many attempts to reform and consolidate this maze of bureaucracy. Four bills were drafted and a consolidation task force was created in the last legislative session with the intent of reforming the childcare sector, but no progress was made. This political season could bring milestone reform initiatives for early childcare. Simplifying and streamlining these programs could mean millions in savings of taxpayer money and much of that could be reinvested in childcare subsidies to meet the heightened needs of North Carolina. More of this critical funding must go to children who need it, rather than for administrators and bureaucrats. A report by the North Carolina Fiscal Research Division showed administrative expenditures reaching 11 percent of Smart Start’s budget in recent years, reaching $21 million. That same amount could reduce the childcare waitlist by nearly 5,000 children. w Find this article on the web at www.nccivitas.org/2011/daycaredilemma

IN FAVOR OF PROTECTING HEALTHCARE FREEDOM HB 2

REAL PEOPLE

REAL ISSUES

REALLY MATTER

House Republicans (64) Avila Brawley Collins Dollar Hager Hurley Justice McCormick Murry Sanderson Stone

Barnhart Brown, L Cook Faircloth Hastings Iler Killian McGee Pridgen Shepard Torbett

Blackwell Brown, R Current Folwell Hollo Ingle Langdon McGrady Randleman Stam Warren, H

Blust Brubaker Daughtry Frye Holloway Johnson LaRoque Mills Rhyne Starnes West

Boles Burr Dixon Gillespie Horn Jones Lewis Moffitt Sager Steen

Bradley Cleveland Dockham Guice Howard Jordan McComas Moore, T Samuelson Stevens

Legislative success is built upon the principle of getting real people to support good public policy. Since 1991, Campaign

House Democrats (2) Brisson

THE ROAD TO LEGISLATIVE SUCCESS STARTS AT HOME

Connections has been working in North Carolina providing

Crawford

corporate clients and coalition groups grassroots, grasstops

AGAINST PROTECTING HEALTHCARE FREEDOM

and public affairs services.

House Republicans (0)

At Campaign Connections, we know the players. We know the politics. We know the state. In today’s changing political

House Democrats (50)

environment, you can’t ignore grassroots when planning your

Adams

Alexander, K Alexander, M Bell

Bordsen

Bryant

Carney

Cotham

Earle

Faison

Fisher Graham Hill Luebke Owens Spear Womble

Floyd Hackney Insko Martin Parfitt Tolson Wray

Gibson Haire Jackson McLawhorn Parmon Wainwright

Gill Hall Jeffus Michaux Pierce Warren, E

Glazier Hamilton Keever Mobley Rapp Weiss

Brandon FarmerButterfield Goodman Harrison Lucas Moore, R Ross Wilkins

legislative agenda. Let us help build your road to success.

Campaign Connections / Great Grassroots Brad Crone, president, 3141 John Humphries Wynd, Suite 136, Raleigh, NC 27612 phone: 919.834.8994, www. greatgrassroots.com,

NOT VOTING

www.campaignconnections.com

Tillis (R)

ABSENT Hilton (R)

Roll Call House #6

McElraft (R)

Setzer (R)

GRASSROOTS · GRASSTOPS · NETROOTS NEW MEDIA · TRADITIONAL MEDIA · MESSAGING SOCIAL NETWORKING · OPINION LEADER OUTREACH

nccivitas.org

February 2011

CAPITOL CONNECTION

Civitas

Unemployment – Still A Long Way to Go for North Carolina in 2011 • BY MARIANNE SUAREZ

nationally compared to 96.5 percent in North Carolina. The NCESC attempts an optimistic headline this month declaring, “North Carolina Gains 2,300 [Nonfarm] Jobs in December.” However, this is only a 0.8 percent recovery from the 272,800 nonfarm jobs that have been lost. Unemployment rates dropped in 66 of the 100 North Carolina counties in December, increased in 27 counties and remained the same in seven. However, only 40 counties were at or below the state’s unadjusted 9.7 unemployment rate. Orange County reported the state’s lowest unemployment rate in December at 5.8 percent

workers. If there is one bit of good news to point out in this report it is that the state unemployment is down 1.1 percent from the unemployment rate in December 2009 which was recorded at 10.9 percent. North Carolina still lags behind the national unemployment average, which was recorded at 9.4 percent this month and showing a 0.4 percent decline from the previous month. In fact, since the beginning of the 2007 recession, the number of people employed nationally decreased by 4.8 percent compared to 6.9 percent in North Carolina. The number of unemployed has increased 88.2 percent

The latest unemployment report from the North Carolina Employment Security Commission (NCESC) shows seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment in North Carolina was recorded at 9.8 percent in December – an increase from the revised 9.7 percent in November. This also shows an increase from the revised September and October statewide unemployment rates at 9.7 and 9.6 percent respectively. The number of people employed in December decreased by over 2,100 workers, while the number of unemployed increased by more than 4,300

and Graham County the highest at 15.8 percent. Unemployment was reported to have decreased in all 14 of the state’s metropolitan areas. Claims for Unemployment Insurance (UI) totaled 83,358 in December - an increase of 11,481 from the previous month. In 2010, North Carolina paid over $5.4 billion in UI benefits. The UI Trust fund balance at the end of the year was in the red by more than $2.5 billion. w

North Carolina Regional Unemployment December 2010

14.0%

12.4% 12.6%

12.0% 9.7%

10.0% 8.0%

7.8%

6.9%

8.2%

7.9%

7.8%

9.5%

9.2%

9.0%

10.7%

10.1% 10.2%

9.9%

6.0% 4.0% 2.0%

y M ck

ga or

M ir/

SC ill

k H oc

a/ Hi

ni to

ar lo

NC /

oi P igh

/H ro bo

ns ee

n to rli

ilm

ille nv W

on st W

al -‐S

Ke ye Fa

le vil

or sb ld

vil he

ar /C igh

le Ra

ille nv so

pe /C

am rh

No r

ll H

ill

0.0%

North Carolina Unemployment Rates by County North Carolina Unemployment By County December 2010 December 2010

ASHE ALLEGHANY SURRY 11.9 11.4 10.7

CAMDEN GATES STOKES NORTHAMPTON VANCE PERSON 8.3 CURRITUCK ROCKINGHAM 7.0 9.2 11.6 12.5 9.9 8.1 WARREN CASWELL PASQUOTANK 12.1 HALIFAX HERTFORD 11.7 WILKES 10.5 9.5 WATAUGA 12.4 9.2 GRANVILLE 12.0 PERQUIMANS 7.8 9.6 YADKIN CHOWAN 8.9 FORSYTH ORANGE 9.2 FRANKLIN MITCHELLAVERY GUILFORD 10.2 9.1 5.8 DURHAM BERTIE 10.5 CALDWELL 9.4 11.5 10.1 NASH 11.2 12.7 ALEXANDER 7.1 ALAMANCE DAVIE EDGECOMBE MADISON TYRRELL 11.6 YANCEY 10.1 WASHINGTON 12.0 11.8 9.5 MARTIN 14.6 9.4 IREDELL WAKE 12.4 DAVIDSON 11.6 10.6 BURKE 10.9 7.5 11.1 RANDOLPH WILSON DARE CHATHAM CATAWBA BUNCOMBE MCDOWELL 12.4 ROWAN 9.6 11.6 14.2 6.4 HAYWOOD 12.3 PITT 11.7 7.6 11.3 9.3 9.6 SWAIN JOHNSTON LINCOLN GREENE BEAUFORT LEE HYDE RUTHERFORD GRAHAM 15.1 8.8 11.3 MONTGOMERY 9.2 10.4 CABARRUS 11.9 11.5 13.8 HENDERSON 15.8 JACKSON HARNETT WAYNE 11.6 10.1 STANLY CLEVELANDGASTON POLK 7.5 8.8 10.4 8.2 MOORE 11.7 7.5 10.9 LENOIR 10.7 CHEROKEE MACON TRANSYLVANIA CRAVEN 8.6 10.2 12.6 MECKLENBURG CLAY 10.3 9.0 9.8 PAMLICO 10.0 9.9 8.9 CUMBERLAND JONES SAMPSON HOKE UNION RICHMOND 9.0 9.5 CARTERET 8.4 9.3 ANSON 8.9 12.7 8.6 DUPLIN 12.4 SCOTLAND 8.9 15.6 ONSLOW 7.8 BLADEN ROBESON 12.0 12.0 PENDER

December 2010 Counties 5.8 - 8.1

10.8

COLUMBUS 12.2

NEW HANOVER 8.9

BRUNSWICK 11.5

8.11 - 9.6 9.61 - 11.1 11.11 - 12.7 12.71 - 15.8

Data Not Seasonally Adjusted Source: Employment Security Commission of North Carolina

February 2011

Civitas

CAPITOL CONNECTION

nccivitas.org

How do I Contact My Legislator? House 1 Camden, Currituck, Pasquotank, Tyrrell Bill Owens (D) Rm. 611, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-0010 Bill.Owens@ncleg.net 2 Chowan, Dare, Hyde, Washington Timothy L. Spear (D) Rm. 402, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3029 Tim.Spear@ncleg.net 3 Craven, Pamlico Norman W. Sanderson (R) Rm. 306A2, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5853 Norman.Sanderson@ncleg.net

16 New Hanover, Pender Carolyn H. Justice (R) Rm. 420, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-9664 Carolyn.Justice@ncleg.net

This legislative directory provides legislative phone number and legislative address. Jones St. zip code is 27601. The Salisbury St. zip code is 27603.

4 Duplin, Onslow Jimmy Dixon (R) Rm. 1002, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-3021 Jimmy.Dixon@ncleg.net

17 Brunswick Frank Iler (R) Rm. 632, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-301-1450 Frank.Iler@ncleg.net

5 Bertie, Gates, Hertford, Perquimans Annie W. Mobley (D) Rm. 501, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5780 Annie.Mobley@ncleg.net

18 New Hanover, Pender Susi H. Hamilton (D) Rm. 1319, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5754 Susi.Hamilton@ncleg.net

6 Beaufort, Pitt Bill Cook (R) Rm. 1303, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5906 Bill.Cook@ncleg.net 7 Halifax, Nash Angela R. Bryant (D) Rm. 542, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5878 Angela.Bryant@ncleg.net 8 Martin, Pitt Edith D. Warren (D) Rm. 1323, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-3023 Edith.Warren@ncleg.net 9 Pitt Marian N. McLawhorn (D) Rm. 1217, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5757 Marian.McLawhorn@ncleg.net 10 Greene, Lenoir, Wayne Stephen A. LaRoque (R) Rm. 635, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3017 Stephen.LaRoque@ncleg.net

19 New Hanover Daniel F. McComas (R) Rm. 506, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5786 Danny.McComas@ncleg.net 20 Brunswick, Columbus Dewey L. Hill (D) Rm. 1309, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5830 Dewey.Hill@ncleg.net 21 Sampson, Wayne Larry M. Bell (D) Rm. 606, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5863 Larry.Bell@ncleg.net 22 Bladen, Cumberland William D. Brisson (D) Rm. 1325, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5772 William.Brisson@ncleg.net 23 Edgecombe, Wilson Joe P. Tolson (D) Rm. 608, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3024 Joe.Tolson@ncleg.net

11 Wayne Efton M. Sager (R) Rm. 416B, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5755 Efton.Sager@ncleg.net

24 Edgecombe, Wilson Jean Farmer-Butterfield (D) Rm. 631D, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5898 Jean.Farmer-Butterfield@ncleg. net

12 Craven, Lenoir William L. Wainwright (D) Rm. 613, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5995 William.Wainwright@ncleg.net

25 Nash Jeff Collins (R) Rm. 1006, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5802 Jeff.Collins@ncleg.net

13 Carteret, Jones Pat McElraft (R) Rm. 637, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-6275 Pat.McElraft@ncleg.net

26 Johnston N. Leo Daughtry (R) Rm. 2207, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5605 Leo.Daughtry@ncleg.net

14 Onslow George G. Cleveland (R) Rm. 417A, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-6707 George.Cleveland@ncleg.net

27 Northhampton, Vance, Warren Michael H. Wray (D) Rm. 502, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5662 Michael.Wray@ncleg.net

15 Onslow Phil R. Shepard (R) Rm. 301N, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-9644 Phil. Shepard@ncleg.net

28 Johnston, Sampson James H. Langdon, Jr. (R) Rm. 417B, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5849 James.Langdon@ncleg.net

29 Durham Larry D. Hall (D) Rm. 1015, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5872 Larry.Hall@ncleg.net

45 Cumberland Rick Glazier (D) Rm. 1021, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5601 Rick.Glazier@ncleg.net

30 Durham Paul Luebke (D) Rm. 513, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-7663 Paul.Luebke@ncleg.net

46 Hoke, Robeson, Scotland G.L. Pridgen (R) Rm. 2223, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5821 Gaston.Pridgen@ncleg.net

31 Durham Henry M. Michaux, Jr. (D) Rm. 1220, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-2528 Mickey.Michaux@ncleg.net

47 Robeson Charles Graham (D) Rm. 1315, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-0875 Charles.Graham@ncleg.net

32 Granville, Vance James W. Crawford, Jr. (D) Rm. 1321, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5824 Jim.Crawford@ncleg.net

48 Hoke, Robeson, Scotland Garland E. Pierce (D) Rm. 1204, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5803 Garland.Pierce@ncleg.net

33 Wake Rosa U. Gill (D) Rm. 1305, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5880 Rosa.Gill@ncleg.net

49 Franklin, Halifax, Nash Glen Bradley (R) Rm. 536, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5860 Glen.Bradley@ncleg.net

34 Wake Grier Martin (D) Rm. 1219, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5758 Grier.Martin@ncleg.net

50 Caswell, Orange Bill Faison (D) Rm. 405, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3019 Bill.Faison@ncleg.net

35 Wake Jennifer Weiss (D) Rm. 1109, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-3010 Jennifer.Weiss@ncleg.net

51 Harnett, Lee Mike C. Stone (R) Rm. 1008, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-3026 Michael.Stone@ncleg.net

36 Wake Nelson Dollar (R) Rm. 307B1, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-0795 Nelson.Dollar@ncleg.net

52 Moore James L. Boles, Jr. (R) Rm. 503, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5903 Jamie.Boles@ncleg.net

37 Wake Paul Stam (R) Rm. 2301, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-2962 Paul.Stam@ncleg.net

53 Harnett David R. Lewis (R) Rm. 534, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3015 David.Lewis@ncleg.net

38 Wake Deborah K. Ross (D) Rm. 1023, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5773 Deborah.Ross@ncleg.net

54 Chatham, Moore, Orange Joe Hackney (D) Rm. 612, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-3451 Joe.Hackney@ncleg.net

39 Wake Darren G. Jackson (D) Rm. 1019, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5974 Darren.Jackson@ncleg.net

55 Durham, Person W. A. (Winkie) Wilkins (D) Rm. 1301, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-0850 Winkie.Wilkins@ncleg.net

40 Wake Marilyn Avila (R) Rm. 2217, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5530 Marilyn.Avila@ncleg.net

56 Orange Verla Insko (D) Rm. 603, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-7208 Verla.Insko@ncleg.net

41 Wake Tom Murry (R) Rm. 2121, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-0010 Tom.Murry@ncleg.net

57 Guilford Pricey Harrison (D) Rm. 1218, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5771 Pricey.Harrison@ncleg.net

42 Cumberland Marvin W. Lucas (D) Rm. 607, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5775 Marvin.Lucas@ncleg.net

58 Guilford Alma Adams (D) Rm. 604, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5902 Alma.Adams@ncleg.net

43 Cumberland Elmer Floyd (D) Rm. 1311, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5959 Elmer.Floyd@ncleg.net

59 Guilford Maggie Jeffus (D) Rm. 1307, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5191 Maggie.Jeffus@ncleg.net

44 Cumberland Diane Parfitt (D) Rm. 1017, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-9892 Diane.Parfitt@ncleg.net

60 Guilford Marcus Brandon (D) Rm. 1209, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5825 Marcus.Brandon@ncleg.net

70 Randolph Pat B. Hurley (R) Rm. 532, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5865 Pat.Hurley@ncleg.net

61 Guilford John Faircloth (R) Rm. 306A3, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5877 John.Faircloth@ncleg.net

71 Forsyth Larry Womble (D) Rm. 510, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5777 Larry.Womble@ncleg.net

62 Guilford John M. Blust (R) Rm. 1229, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5781 John.Blust@ncleg.net

72 Forsyth Earline W. Parmon (D) Rm. 509, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5829 Earline.Parmon@ncleg.net

For additional information on finding your legislator by county or to see how they vote, please visit

civitasaction.org 63 Alamance Alice L. Bordsen (D) Rm. 602, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5820 Alice.Bordsen@ncleg.net 64 Alamance Dan W. Ingle (R) Rm. 530, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5905 Dan.Ingle@ncleg.net 65 Rockingham Bert Jones (U) Rm. 306A1, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5779 Bert.Jones@ncleg.net 66 Montgomery, Richmond Ken Goodman (D) Rm. 1111, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5823 Ken.Goodman@ncleg.net 67 Montgomery, Stanly, Union Justin P. Burr (R) Rm. 538, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5908 Justin.Burr@ncleg.net 68 Union D. Craig Horn (R) Rm. 1010, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-2406 Craig.Horn@ncleg.net 69 Anson, Union Pryor Gibson (D) Rm. 514, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3007 Pryor.Gibson@ncleg.net

73 Davidson, Forsyth Larry R. Brown (R) Rm. 303, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5607 Larry.Brown@ncleg.net 74 Forsyth Dale R. Folwell (R) Rm. 301F, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5787 Dale.Folwell@ncleg.net 75 Forsyth Wm. C. “Bill” McGee (R) Rm. 634, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5747 William.McGee@ncleg.net 76 Rowan Fred F. Steen, II (R) Rm. 305, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5881 Fred.Steen@ncleg.net 77 Rowan Harry Warren (R) Rm. 533, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5784 Harry.Warren@ncleg.net

WHY WE GIVE PARTY AFFILIATIONS: The Legislature is managed as a partisan institution. Lawmakers segregate themselves by party in matters from daily meetings to electing leaders. They have separate and taxpayer-financed staffs. As such, gaining a full understanding of the vote of an individual lawmaker requires knowing his or her partisan affiliation.

nccivitas.org

Civitas

CAPITOL CONNECTION

78 Randolph Harold J. Brubaker (R) Rm. 302, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-4946 Harold.Brubaker@ncleg.net

92 Iredell, Surry, Yadkin Darrell G. McCormick (R) Rm. 2119, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5654 Darrell.McCormick@ncleg.net

109 Gaston William A. Current, Sr. (R) Rm. 418B, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5809 Bill.Current@ncleg.net

79 Davie, Iredell Julia C. Howard (R) Rm. 1106, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5904 Julia.Howard@ncleg.net

93 Ashe, Watauga Jonathan C. Jordan (R) Rm. 418C, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-7727 Jonathan.Jordan@ncleg.net

110 Cleveland, Gaston Kelly E. Hastings (R) Rm. 2123, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-2002 Kelly.Hastings@ncleg.net

80 Davidson Jerry C. Dockham (R) Rm. 2204, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-2526 Jerry.Dockham@ncleg.net

94 Wilkes Shirley B. Randleman (R) Rm. 531, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5935 Shirley.Randleman@ncleg.net

111 Cleveland Tim Moore (R) Rm. 1326, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-4838 Tim.Moore@ncleg.net

81 Davidson Rayne Brown (R) Rm. 638, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-0873 Rayne.Brown@ncleg.net

95 Iredell Grey Mills (R) Rm. 2221, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5741 Grey.Mills@ncleg.net

112 Cleveland, Rutherford Mike Hager (R) Rm. 306C, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5749 Mike.Hager@ncleg.net

82 Cabarrus Jeff Barnhart (R) Rm. 304, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-2009 Jeff.Barnhart@ncleg.net

96 Catawba Mark K. Hilton (R) Rm. 1227, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5988 Mark.Hilton@ncleg.net

This legislative directory provides legislative phone number and legislative address. Jones St. zip code is 27601. The Salisbury St. zip code is 27603. 83 Cabarrus Linda P. Johnson (R) Rm. 301D, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5861 Linda.Johnson2@ncleg.net 84 Avery, Caldwell, Mitchell, Yancey Phillip Frye (R) Rm. 639, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5661 Phillip.Frye@ncleg.net 85 Burke, McDowell Mitch Gillespie (R) Rm. 307B2, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5862 Mitch.Gillespie@ncleg.net 86 Burke Hugh Blackwell (R) Rm. 541, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5805 Hugh.Blackwell@ncleg.net 87 Caldwell Edgar V. Starnes (R) Rm. 419A, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5931 Edgar.Starnes@ncleg.net 88 Alexander, Catawba Mark W. Hollo (R) Rm. 633, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-8361 Mark.Hollo@ncleg.net 89 Catawba, Iredell Mitchell S. Setzer (R) Rm. 1206, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-4948 Mitchell.Setzer@ncleg.net 90 Alleghany, Surry Sarah Stevens (R) Rm. 416A, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-1883 Sarah.Stevens@ncleg.net 91 Rockingham, Stokes Bryan R. Holloway (R) Rm. 529, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5609 Bryan.Holloway@ncleg.net

19 Bladen, Cumberland Wesley Meredith (R) Rm. 2106, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5776 Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net

35 Mecklenburg, Union Tommy Tucker (R) Rm. 311, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-7659 Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net

20 Durham Floyd B. McKissick, Jr. (D) Rm. 520, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-4599 Floyd.McKissick@ncleg.net

36 Cabarrus, Iredell Fletcher L. Hartsell, Jr. (R) Rm. 300C, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-7223 Fletcher.Hartsell@ncleg.net

21 Cumberland Eric Mansfield (R) Rm. 1119, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-9349 Eric.Mansfield@ncleg.net

37 Mecklenburg Daniel G. Clodfelter (D) Rm. 526, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-8331 Daniel.Clodfelter@ncleg.net

5 Greene, Pitt, Wayne Louis Pate (R) Rm. 406, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5621 Louis.Pate@ncleg.net

22 Harnett, Moore Harris Blake (R) Rm. 408, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-4809 Harris.Blake@ncleg.net

38 Mecklenburg Charlie Smith Dannelly (D) Rm. 1127, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5955 Charlie.Dannelly@ncleg.net

113 Henderson, Polk, Transylvania W. David Guice (R) Rm. 528, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-4466 David.Guice@ncleg.net

6 Jones, Onslow Harry Brown (R) Rm. 300B, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3034 Harry.Brown@ncleg.net

23 Orange, Person Eleanor Kinnaird (D) Rm. 628, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5804 Ellie.Kinnaird@ncleg.net

39 Mecklenburg Bob Rucho (R) Rm. 300A, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5655 Bob.Rucho@ncleg.net

97 Lincoln Johnathan Rhyne, Jr. (R) Rm. 2208, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5782 Johnathan.Rhyne@ncleg.net

114 Buncombe Susan C. Fisher (D) Rm. 504, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-2013 Susan.Fisher@ncleg.net

24 Alamance, Caswell Rick Gunn (R) Rm. 312, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-301-1446 Rick.Gunn@ncleg.net

40 Mecklenburg Malcolm Graham (D) Rm. 622, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5650 Malcolm.Graham@ncleg.net

98 Mecklenburg Thom Tillis (R) Rm. 2304, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5828 Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net

115 Buncombe Patsy Keever (D) Rm. 1317, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5746 Patsy.Keever@ncleg.net

7 Franklin, Granville, Vance, Warren Doug Berger (D) Rm. 516, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-8363 Doug.Berger@ncleg.net

116 Buncombe Tim D. Moffitt (R) Rm. 1025, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-3012 Tim.Moffitt@ncleg.net

25 Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly William R. Purcell (D) Rm. 517, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5953 William.Purcell@ncleg.net

41 Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln James Forrester (R) Rm. 2108, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-3050 James.Forrester@ncleg.net

99 Mecklenburg Rodney W. Moore (D) Rm. 1211, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5606 Rodney.Moore@ncleg.net

8 Brunswick, Columbus, Pender Bill Rabon (R) Rm. 2108, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5963 Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net

100 Mecklenburg Tricia Ann Cotham (D) Rm. 403, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-0706 Tricia.Cotham@ncleg.net

117 Henderson Chuck McGrady (R) Rm. 418A, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5956 Chuck.McGrady@ncleg.net

9 New Hanover Thom Goolsby (R) Rm. 2115, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-2525 Thom.Goolsby@ncleg.net

26 Guilford, Rockingham Philip Edward Berger (R) Rm. 2008, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5708 Phil.Berger@ncleg.net

101 Mecklenburg Beverly M. Earle (D) Rm. 610, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-2530 Beverly.Earle@ncleg.net

118 Haywood, Madison, Yancey Ray Rapp (D) Rm. 1013, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5732 Ray.Rapp@ncleg.net

10 Duplin, Lenoir, Sampson Brent Jackson (R) Rm. 525, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5705 Brent.Jackson@ncleg.net

27 Guilford Don Vaughan (D) Rm. 515, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5856 Don.Vaughan@ncleg.net

102 Mecklenburg Becky Carney (D) Rm. 1221, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5827 Becky.Carney@ncleg.net

119 Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain R. Phillip Haire (D) Rm. 609, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3005 Phillip.Haire@ncleg.net

11 Nash, Wilson E.S. Newton (D) Rm. 410, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3030 Buck.Newton@ncleg.net

28 Guilford Gladys A. Robinson (D) Rm. 1120, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-3042 Gladys.Robinson@ncleg.net

12 Johnston, Wayne David Rouzer (R) Rm. 523, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5748 David.Rouzer@ncleg.net

29 Montgomery, Randolph Jerry W. Tillman (R) Rm. 627, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5870 Jerry.Tillman@ncleg.net

45 Alexander, Ashe, Watauga, Wilkes Dan Soucek (R) Rm. 310, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5742 Dan.Soucek@ncleg.net

13 Robeson, Hoke Michael Walters (D) Rm. 1118, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5551 Michael.Walters@ncleg.net

30 Alleghany, Stokes, Surry, Yadkin Don W. East (R) Rm. 522, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5743 Don.East@ncleg.net

46 Cleveland, Rutherford Debbie A. Clary (R) Rm. 314, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3038 Debbie.Clary@ncleg.net

14 Wake Daniel T. Blue, Jr. (D) Rm. 1117, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5752 Dan.Blue@ncleg.net

31 Forsyth Peter S. Brunstetter (R) Rm. 2022, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-7850 Peter.Brunstetter@ncleg.net

15 Wake Neal Hunt (R) Rm. 308, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5850 Neal.Hunt@ncleg.net

32 Forsyth Linda Garrou (D) Rm. 620, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5620 Linda.Garrou@ncleg.net

47 Avery, Haywood, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Yancey Ralph Hise (R) Rm. 1026, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-3460 Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net

16 Wake Joshua H. Stein (D) Rm. 1113, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-6400 Josh.Stein@ncleg.net

33 Davidson, Guilford Stan Bingham (R) Rm. 2117, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5665 Stan.Bingham@ncleg.net

17 Wake Richard Y. Stevens (R) Rm. 309, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5653 Richard.Stevens@ncleg.net

34 Davie, Rowan Andrew C. Brock (R) Rm. 623, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-0690 Andrew.Brock@ncleg.net

103 Mecklenburg William Brawley (R) Rm. 1313, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5800 Bill.Brawley@ncleg.net 104 Mecklenburg Ruth Samuelson (R) Rm. 419B, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3009 Ruth.Samuelson@ncleg.net

120 Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon Roger West (R) Rm. 1004, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5859 Roger.West@ncleg.net

Senate

105 Mecklenburg Ric Killian (R) Rm. 2219, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5886 Ric.Killian@ncleg.net

1 Beaufort, Camden, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Tyrrell, Washington Marc Basnight (D) Rm. 2007, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-6854 Marc.Basnight@ncleg.net

106 Mecklenburg Martha B. Alexander (D) Rm. 1213, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5807 Martha.Alexander@ncleg.net

2 Carteret, Craven, Pamlico Jean R. Preston (R) Rm. 629, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5706 Jean.Preston@ncleg.net

107 Mecklenburg Kelly M. Alexander, Jr. (D) Rm. 404, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5778 Kelly.Alexander@ncleg.net

3 Edgecombe, Martin, Pitt S. Clark Jenkins (D) Rm. 621, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3040 Clark.Jenkins@ncleg.net

108 Gaston John A. Torbett (R) Rm. 537, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5868 John.Torbett@ncleg.net

4 Bertie, Chowan, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Northampton, Perquimans W. Edward Jones (D) Rm. 518, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3032 Edward.Jones@ncleg.net

February 2011

For additional information on finding your legislator by county or to see how they vote, please visit

civitasaction.org

18 Chatham, Durham, Lee Robert Atwater (D) Rm. 519, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-3036 Bob.Atwater@ncleg.net

42 Catawba, Iredell Austin M. Allran (R) Rm. 625, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-733-5876 Austin.Allran@ncleg.net 43 Gaston Kathy Harrington (R) Rm. 2113, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5734 Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net 44 Burke, Caldwell Warren Daniel (R) Rm. 411, 300 N. Salisbury St. 919-715-7823 Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net

48 Buncombe, Henderson, Polk Tom M. Apodaca (R) Rm. 2010, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5745 Tom.Apodaca@ncleg.net 49 Buncombe Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. (D) Rm. 1129, 16 West Jones St. 919-715-3001 Martin.Nesbitt@ncleg.net 50 Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Transylvania Jim Davis (R) Rm. 2111, 16 West Jones St. 919-733-5875 Jim.Davis@ncleg.net

February 2011

Civitas •

nccivitas.org

CAPITOL CONNECTION SCANDAL

•

Basnight: Playing Politics Until the End • BY BOB LUEBKE “In serving the people you understand a day like this is going to come... You are hopeful that the change is beneficial, new ideas, different thoughts…. This is only what the people want... so that means it is good.” -Marc Basnight, November 3, 2010. Quoted are the words of Marc Basnight (D-Dare), former President Pro Tem of the North Carolina state senate commenting on the political avalanche that relegated him and his Democratic colleagues to minority party status. That shift gave total control of the General Assembly to the Republicans for the first time in 140 years. On Jan. 4, 2011, Basnight, who had been President Pro Tem of the Senate for 18 years, and recently reelected in November by his smallest margin of victory, announced his retirement. His retirement was effective Jan. 25, 2011. Nice words, but when you consider what Basnight has done – and not done – since November 3, you wonder if he meant what he said. In post election interviews, Basnight was quoted as saying he would serve out his term, even if it meant serving in the minority. When Basnight resigned in early January, he cited health and a desire to be with his new bride as reasons behind his decision. Basnight’s wife Sandy passed away in 2007. If he’s really concerned about what the people want, why did he wait until the day before the 2011-12 Legislature convenes to vacate his seat? His health and pending marriage were not factors that changed in the last couple of months. Could it also be that Basnight chose to resign his seat on the day before the new legislative session began because the process for selecting a candidate guarantees a Democrat Senator in a district that had been trending Republican?

Instead of voters deciding on Basnight’s replacement, a select committee of Democratic Party loyalists representing the seven counties of Basnight’s Senate District recommended Stan White, the former commissioner and a current member of the N.C. Board of Transportation. Gov. Perdue confirmed the selection. Could it be that by resigning his Senate seat on January 25 Basnight is able to retain his powers of appointment to state boards and commissions, a power he has used extensively for nearly 20 years to reward friends and extend his influence? Basnight’s pending departure has elicited kind words from leaders on both sides of the aisle. However, his political career is one of the strongest arguments for term limits. Basnight sat at the helm of one of the largest political machines in the state. He was the architect behind some of the most controversial legislation including the creation of the North Carolina Education Lottery and the Golden Leaf Foundation. He mastered the art of helping friends and punishing those who crossed him. Along the way he also managed to direct an inordinate number of large projects to his district including a prison, a $16 million state aquarium in Manteo, a $12 million museum in Elizabeth City, a $1 million public bike trail for Manteo, and a $25 million dollar fishing pier in Nags Head - a pier built in part by Basnight Construction, which just happened to win one of the state contracts. The press and conservatives criticized Basnight’s backroom budget deals and the secrecy which surrounded the budget process. Others chastised him for forcing votes on legislation that lawmakers had barely read and not allowing Republicans to add amendments to legislation. Basnight was a towering figure whose style of politics appears to be slowly fading into the past. That seems to be what the people want. w

Former Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight (D-Dare), a fixture in the NC Senate for more than 20 years, decided to resign after Republicans gained control of both House and Senate chambers in the 2010 election. His resignation still allowed Democrats to pick his replacement, neglecting voter’s the choice in deciding who they wanted to have represent them. Photo: Don Carrington

The Civitas Institute offers training in investigative journalism and exposing government corruption. We hold monthly meetings for those who want to learn more and connect with others to combat public corruption. For more information contact Bob Luebke at 919-834-2099,

Ext. 135. Scandal is a regular column in Capitonl Connection that will explore public corruption in NC Government. Have a local corruption story? Email us at : corruption@nccivitas.org. or call 919-8342099.

Voter ID

Restructure North Carolina State Board of Elections – The Governor of North Carolina appoints the five members of the State Board of Elections resulting in a very partisan board charged with administering North Carolina’s elections. To restructure the State Board of Elections, North Carolina should investigate how other states administer elections. For example the New York state Board of Elections is comprised of four members from each of the two major parties and two executive directors, one from each of the major parties. w

CONTINUED FROM PG 1

that does not include the presidential race in the straight party choice. The timing of this “ballot flaw” occurred more than 40 years ago when Democrats realized that voters who customarily voted for Democrats were opting for Republican presidential candidates. As a result, North Carolina has a high rate of undervotes (42,950 voters cast ballots in the 2008 Presidential election but did not vote for any Presidential candidate). Eliminate public financing of political campaigns – Public financing forces taxpayers to pay for campaigns that they may not support.

Find this article on the web at www.nccivitas.org/2011/voter-id-settingrecord-straight

Pass The Torch Donate ⃤ My check made payable to The Civitas Institute is enclosed. ⃤ Please charge my: ⃤ American Express ⃤ Master Card ⃤ Discover ⃤ Visa Name___________________________________________________________

$5 = $25 = $100 = $1000 =

20 new readers 100 new readers 400 new readers 4000 new readers

Address _________________________________________________________ City ____________________________ State _______ Zip ______________ Phone _________________________ Email ___________________________ Card No.

⃤⃤⃤⃤ ⃤⃤⃤⃤ ⃤⃤⃤⃤ ⃤⃤⃤⃤

Amount: $____________

Mail to:

Civitas Institute 100 S. Harrington St. Raleigh, NC 27603

Expiration: ___ ___ / ___ ___ CVV ___________

Signature: ________________________________________________________ All contributions are tax deductible If you prefer to make your contribution over the phone, please call Marianne Suarez at (919) 834-2099.

Donate online at www.nccivitas.org/donate