Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the men that were killed in the C130 from the NC National Guard that went down early June 2nd while fighting a fire in the Black Hills of South Dakota. As you gather with your friends and families for holiday festivities, please remember these men and their families in your prayers and thank them for their service and sacrifice. The deceased names are: Lt Col Paul K. Mikeal (pronounced like michael), 42, Mooreseville, NC, Spouse: Marlo P. Mikeal; Maj Joseph “Joe” M. McCormick, 36, Belmont, NC, Spouse: Heather W. McCormick; Maj Ryan S. David (pronounced da-veed), 25, Boone, NC, Spouse: Jenny S. Ellerbe; and SMSgt Robert S. “Robbie” Cannon, 50, Charlotte, NC, Spouse: Melanie R. Cannon.

Senate action this week

Override Veto HB 950 - Modify 2011 Appropriations Act (Budget)

The General Assembly overrode Governor Purdue’s veto. State lawmakers reached a $20.18 billion budget agreement on June 20th. The agreement makes adjustments to the state’s current biennial budget which filled a $2.5 billion deficit Republicans inherited from previous leadership, reduced government spending by nearly $1 billion and enacted a $50,000 income tax cut for job-creating businesses. The final benefits of the budget for state employees and retirees are a 1.2% pay raise for active state employees, 1% cost-of-living adjustment for state retirees, and 5 additional days of paid leave for active state employees.

Override Veto SB 820 - Clean Energy and Economic Security Act

The General Assembly voted to override the Governor’s veto on this bipartisan legislation, also known as the fracking bill, to create a vibrant energy sector that will lure jobs and private investment to the state. The Clean Energy and Economic Security Act is a comprehensive plan to increase domestic energy production, ensure energy reliability and affordability and promote job growth. The Clean Energy and Economic Security Act will do several things including: Empower the Environmental Management Commission, the Commission for Public Health and the Mining and Energy Commission to develop rules and regulations for shale gas exploration and development. Authorize these regulatory bodies to develop a comprehensive framework for the safe exploration of energy resources, but prevent them from issuing permits until the General Assembly takes further legislative action.

Override Veto SB 416 - Amend Death Penalty Procedures

The General Assembly on Monday morning overrode the Governor’s veto of reforms to the Racial Justice Act, a law allowing convicted murderers and child rapists on death row to appeal their sentences using statistics that allegedly show racial bias. In order to prevent convicted criminals from abusing the overbroad Racial Justice Act, the bill clarifies the types of evidence that can be used in determining whether race was a significant factor in seeking the death sentence. Those changes include: Defining the relevant time period considered to 10 years prior to the offense and two years after the sentence; Limiting the use of statistical evidence to the county or prosecutorial district where the sentence was imposed; Providing that statistical evidence alone is insufficient to establish that race played a significant factor in the defendant’s case.

HJR 1233 - Honor Kinston’s 250th Anniversary

Happy Birthday Kinston! This week the City of Kinston was recognized by HJR-1233 and passed both chambers unanimously. This year the City of Kinston, Lenoir, will celebrate their 250th Anniversary in September, making it one of the oldest towns in the nation. Kinston was founded on the Neuse River 35 miles from New Bern by the Governor, Council, and General Assembly. Various activities are being planned in celebration of this milestone. For information about the celebration contact John Paul Black at jblack@lenoircc.edu.

In honor of:

I’m sure most of you will remember the all-time favorite TV show Andy Griffith. We are saddened to learn of the passing of such a legend. Though this show centered on a make believe town of Mayberry, Andy resided in Manteo. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Griffith family. Thanks Andy for your contribution to our society through your television career.

In closing:

I appreciate you allowing me to serve you in the NC General Assembly and if I can ever be of service to you, please feel free to contact me at 919-733-5705 at my Raleigh office or brent.jackson@ncleg.net. You can also check me out at http://www.facebook.com/wbrentjackson.