Greetings from Raleigh! October is a wonderful month in North Carolina. The cool evenings and warm days is just about perfect for everyone. I hope you will enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons as you watch the leaves change colors; drive by a field filled with pretty shades of orange pumpkins; or pass a road-side stand selling mums in shades of yellow and purple. Whatever you do take time to enjoy our great state!

Below you will find more legislation we passed during the 2011-12 session.

Legislation

HB-925 Annexation Reform 2

This bill was passed by the General Assembly on May 31 and became law without the governor’s signature on June 11. Annexation Reform 2 sets up a referendum vote on potential involuntary annexation. House Bill 925 is an effort by the North Carolina General Assembly to overrule a May court decision striking down the Statewide Annexation Reform Act of 2011, that set up a petition to deny annexation. The referendum is going to be a vote of the registered voters of the area to be annexed. A majority vote of 50% plus one is required to pass annexation by the municipality. If the referendum does not pass the area cannot be initiated for annexation for another 36 months.

SB-582 Authorize Indian Gaming/Revenue

This bill, which was signed into law by the governor on July 6, allows the Cherokee’s to replace machines with live dealers. Passage of this bill will allow the opportunity for our citizens to regain a stable income for their families. This bill does not in any way expand gambling in our state. The 30-year agreement will generate at least $57 million for education while creating hundreds of new jobs in western North Carolina, which currently suffers from double digit unemployment.